Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 69
Emilio walked over to kiss Hermione's cheek.
James greeted his host. "Good morning Hermione. I'm well thank you."
"I'm going to be leaving for my appointment straightaway. If you haven't had breakfast, there's eggs, fried potatoes and sausage under a warming spell on the counter. Help yourselves. When you have your walk, keep in mind Scorp does like to visit the park."
Giving Hermione a sly wink, Emilio replied that he, James and Scorp already had a set plan which might include a trip to the new home before inviting James to come have a bit of breakfast.
"Breakfast would be lovely. Will you be joining us young wizard?" He asked Scorp.
Never at a loss for words, Scorp made everyone smile when he quickly admitted he would like to eat with the big wizards.
"Alright love. You be good for Emilio. I don't want any bad reports. Today you'll wear your blue jacket with the hood, a hat and gloves. Emilio can have Crissy or Dusty bring them down. I need to get going. I'll see all you handsome wizards later."
Emilio walked with Hermione giving her a long kiss at the door. "Good luck love. I can't wait to hear what Miss Leyton has in store. Love you."
"Love you more Mr. Lozier. Don't let our boy run you in circles."
With that, Hermione stepped out and turned into Apparition.
/*/
Before going to have breakfast, Emilio called out for Crissy to bring Scorp's things down. When he got back to the table, Scorp reminded him he must always use his soft voice in the house.
Emilio had been outdone. Both he and James smiled as Scorp chattered away about already having had cereal but was hungry for eggs.
James didn't dare look Emilio in the eye for fear he'd burst out laughing. His mentor had received a telling off from his three year old.
It was going to be an interesting morning.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 70
Emilio, James and Scorp finished breakfast and were out of the house by 10:10 on their way to an adventure as Scorp kept calling it.
"I like ventures Mintster. Just ask Emilio. He knows. I went to the park with Nonno. He…. We have a floo now. Not in the new house though." Actually, Scorp didn't know if they had a floo in the new house, so he asked Emilio. "Do we have a floo in the new house Emilio? I don't know."
Glancing quickly at James knowing he probably wasn't used to being inundated with so much minutia, he cleared things up. "No Scorp. We don't have a floo set up in the new house yet, but we will get one set up soon."
"Yay, soon. I like soon Emilio. Dusty, Embers, Crissy and Louis like soon too. We all like soon."
Emilio interjected before Scorp could say more. "Yes Scorp. We all like soon. Let's put that aside for now. Since it's your day to have an adventure, I'll let you choose. Shall we have a straight walk, go to the park or show James the new house. Which would you like to do first?"
Scorp was over the moon. He was being given the chance to sort out their adventure and answered with a bit of Scorp wisdom. "In case mum wants us to get back home, I think we should show Mintster our new house first so he can see my room. Then, if mum rings to tell you to bring me home, Mintster will already know where we are moving."
Emilio was at a loss for words over Scorp's verbose response, but James quickly replied.
"Thank you so much for thinking of me young wizard. It will be good for me to know where the new house is located in case I have to find Emilio."
Reaching out a hand to both Emilio and James, Scorp silently bobbed his head knowing he had been spot on.
Hands in hands, the three took a few more steps before Emilio picked up Scorp, gave James the Apparating address of the new home telling him he and Scorp would meet him there.
Less than two minutes later, the three wizards were standing on the front porch of 4 Tudor Lane, Lozier Estate.
"Here we are. 4 Tudor Lane, Lozier Estate, Wiltshire." Emilio remarked to James.
Scorp, who was more than excited to be back received a gentle caution from Emilio to calm down.
"I'm calm Emilio. I just want to show Mintster our new house. Lozier Estate means mum, Emilio and my house and Cissy and Dusty and Embers and Louis too. It's so big."
James, who was almost overwhelmed by Scorp's constant chatter complimented the home. "It is big Scorp, and lovely. I might have to come stay with you."
Scorp's head snapped around so he was looking at Emilio. No one could stay if they weren't private, family business. Emilio didn't say anything, so Scorp didn't say anything. His mum or Emilio would tell Mintster Woolee that Lozier Estate was for private, family business only. It wasn't his worry.
Emilio again admitted to himself it would be challenging to raise a young wizard.
/*/
Emilio, James and Scorp had a lovely tour of the home which was finished by 10:40, after which, they apparated to the park so Scorp could slide and swing.
While Scorp had his turn on the slide and swings, Emilio and James discussed MCC, the new home and James' coming transition. Shortly before 11:00, Emilio rushed over to a crying Scorp who had come down the slide wrong and skinned his leg.
"I'm bloody and it hurts Emilio."
Smiling to himself, Emilio kneeled down to look at the small, pink scrape on Scorp's leg. Drawing his wand and making a short, slash motion, Emilio softly called out Episkey. The change was immediate and, to Scorp, amazing. Throwing his arms around Emilio's neck, he hugged him tight."
"Thank you Emilio. I didn't want to be hurt and not be able to go home to mum."
James looked on in surprise wondering how a simple scrape had Scorp thinking it wouldn't allow him to return home. Emilio noticed the puzzled look on James' face and made a short statement.
"Long story James. I believe it is time for me to get my little man home. Mum is probably home waiting for her boy. If your leg is up to it Scorp, we'll walk from here."
"I'll walk, but if my leg starts hurting you or Mintster should carry me."
Emilio and James gave each other a quick glance, but were probably thinking along the same lines. The young wizard was not only verbose but firm in his thinking as well.
"Fair enough young wizard. If your leg starts hurting, I'll carry you. Let's get going."
Reaching out a hand to both James and Emilio, Scorp was ready. "Let's get going."
/*/
Hermione was welcomed into Grace Leyton's offices promptly at 10:00. Grace was a personable, thirty-something witch who lacked stature but made up for it in voice and manner. Hermione was slightly taken aback by Grace's almost brusque manner until they sat down to talk. After ten minutes, no matter her manner, Hermione realized this witch knew her business. Sitting there listening to Grace, Hermione knew she didn't have to look any further. Grace Leyton was the Wedding Planner for her. A quick thought passed through Hermione's mind. Grace Leyton was acceptable to her, but was she an acceptable client to Grace? That answer came quickly as the brusque witch became a softer spoken witch handling her business.
After the application was completed and draft down payment made, Grace and Hermione got some details sorted. Hermione gave Grace Emilio's information. Then they were onto dates. Emilio had mentioned a choice of dates. Hermione decided to go with Saturday 16 October 2010 at 2:00 pm and got a case of the butterflies when her and Emilio's names and the date were magically imprinted on Grace's calendar. She and Emilio were truly on the way to becoming man and wife.
Grace asked a few questions during a short, getting to know each other conversation. When Hermione mentioned wearing a champagne colored dress, Grace had input.
"While champagne is a lovely color, is it really the color you want to wear walking down the aisle to your forever wizard?"
For the briefest of seconds, Grace's words stung, and a flash of embarrassment flashed through Hermione. Was she being an arse for wanting a color other than white for her wedding dress? Such a rude question. Perhaps Grace was too brusque too overbearing. Perhaps she really wasn't the right Wedding Planner. Then good sense returned to Hermione and she replied with a heartfelt comment.
"Up to this point Grace my choice has been champagne color. Now that you've asked the question I'm wondering why." Then Hermione shared a bit of personal business. "This will be my second marriage. My wizard husband was killed while doing daring muggle tricks. I walked down the aisle to him in white. I guess I didn't want to seem like….."
Hermione didn't finish the sentence, but Grace finished it for her.
"You don't want it to seem like you are pretending to be a first time bride. Take it from me as a Wedding Planner and as a woman. Anyone who loves you will know you aren't pretending about anything. If they care about you, all they'll think about is this lovely witch has found the wizard of her dreams, period. Your wedding, your choice. That's just my two knuts. You've hired me to facilitate a wedding and that's what I'll do, so it is up to me to make you think. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't want a discussion on certain things. Trust me love. We'll have many more discussions before 16 October 2010. Have you chosen colors? Will you and Emilio be choosing the venue, or do you want to use a venue from my catalog? I only deal with top shops so no worries there."
A faint blush appeared across Hermione's cheeks. She hadn't done anything having been so focused on having a champagne colored dress. "No Grace. I haven't chosen my colors or a venue. I've been stuck on champagne. In fact, Emilio and I haven't discussed anything in depth yet. Our first thought was to hire a Wedding Planner which I've done. We will be discussing our plans this evening then get back to you for a subsequent appointment during which we both can share our thoughts with you."
Grace smiled at her newest client who had lost her husband to a freak accident. Such a sad thing. Of course she'd heard about Hermione Malfoy and the untimely death of Draco Malfoy. Who hadn't? However, if Hermione hadn't mentioned it, she would never have mentioned it either. It wasn't the place of a Wedding Planner to bring up old memories.
"Alright Hermione. If you'd like, I can set your second appointment now. What day or days of the week are best for you and Mr. Lozier?"
Hermione thought about it. Any day of the week was fine for her, but Emilio had responsibilities. Throwing caution to the wind, Hermione chose for him. "I believe the best days for Emilio to be away from the office for a bit are Wednesday and Thursday either mid-morning or late afternoon."
Grace nodded as she made tentative notations in her calendar. "We will only need Mr. Lozier for the second appointment. For future appointments, it will be just you, me, and your mum or Maid of Honor. Here's what we can do. You speak to Mr. Lozier to get the best day/date for the second appointment then text me his response. I'll get it on the calendar and we'll go from there. There is a lot to do. Congratulations on starting preparations early."
"Thank you Grace. Sounds like a fine plan. I have one small favor to ask."
"Ask away Hermione."
"My fiance is very nosy. I don't want him to know anything about my wedding dress. So, please do not bring it up. If he brings it up, go mute."
Tapping the side of her nose, Grace gave Hermione a sly wink. "No problem. I've had to go mute before."
Hermione stood. "Hahaha. That's wonderful. You're wonderful. As soon as I check with Emilio, I'll text you a few dates and times. By the way, you have a fan in Hannah Potter. She recommended you. It was very nice meeting you. Have a good day."
"Ah yes. Hannah is a lovely witch. Thank her for me. It was nice meeting you as well Hermione. We'll speak soon."
With that, Hermione left the shop heading to the grocer to get some sprouts, juice and maybe some chops for her favorite wizards.
Even stopping by the butcher and the grocer, Hermione made it home before her men. Heading directly upstairs, Hermione sent the groceries to their proper places with a straight armed swing of her wand. After a quick face wash and pee, she pulled out her mobile to call Carmela and share the news about her visit to the Wedding Planner. The phone rang four times before Carmela picked up.
Hello love.
Hello mum. I've called to tell you what went on with the Wedding Planner. Her name is Grace Leyton and she is a love. A bit brusque and to the point. She has me rethinking my dress color. Do you think I set my heart on a champagne colored dress because I didn't want anyone thinking I was pretending to be a first time bride?
What? Nonsense. If you want a champagne colored dress, wear one. We've discussed this before Hermione. Emilio would love you walking down the aisle to him in a blood red dress. Your choice is your choice love.
Of course. My choice is my choice. Grace said those very same words.
Carmela let out a loud chuckle.
See. Your mum is as smart as a Wedding Planner. Personally, I think you look amazing in white. On the dressmaker front, I haven't pinned one down yet, but I'm looking. What are you thinking for colors?
Thanks mum. I haven't really thought about colors, but I like shades of blue preferably the blue-purples with an accent color like gold. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen in indigo blue with a touch of the accent color. Maid of Honor, Emilio and his Best Man in Navy blue with….
Carmela laughed out loud.
Haven't given it much thought? Really? If you were any firmer, we could all go out and buy our outfits tomorrow.
Hermione laughed. She was talking as though she'd made final decisions when in fact she hadn't.
I am being a bit dramatic. At this point in time, I have not made any decisions with regard to my colors except, except for the dress. I believe I will wear white. My fiance deserves that. I'll know more about colors after Emilio and I have a discussion. Speaking of my wizards, I hear my loud, little one calling my name. I'll ring you tomorrow to share the drama of the great Emilio, James and Scorp adventure because I know there was some. Love you. My love to Nonno Maida. Speak to you on Sunday.
Alright love. I'll speak to you tomorrow. My regards to the wizards.
/*/
"Do I hear my wizards finally come home? Be there in a moment," Hermione called out as she headed for the stairs. It was time to prepare lunch for her brood and hear about their morning.
Scorp came running at Hermione as soon as she stepped off the last stair. "Mum! Mum. We had a venture. Emilio showed Mintster our new house." Lowering his voice, Scorp told Hermione that Mintster wanted to come live there. In an even lower voice Scorp advised her that James couldn't live with them because their new house was only for private, family business.
After removing Scorp's hat, jacket and gloves, Hermione bent down to give him a hug and a kiss before telling him the new home wasn't his worry. She and Emilio would sort it all out.
"Okay mum, okay. Emilio. Here's mum. Come give her …." Scorp didn't finish the sentence because Emilio was gazing in his direction. Instead, he shifted gears. "Is it lunch time mum? I think Mintster, Emilio and me are hungry."
"Mintster, Emilio and I are hungry."
"Emilio. Mum is hungry too. You or Mintster have to cook."
Both Emilio and James smiled at the young wizard with James admitting Emilio would have to cook because he only knew how to eat.
Hermione stepped in to address Emilio and James knowing Scorp could go on for ages. "Unless you two fine wizards have other plans, you may have a seat in the living room until lunch is ready."
Emilio answered for the both of them. "Although you make delicious lunches Mrs. Hermione, James and I will have lunch out. There are matters to be discussed. If you don't mind, James and I might return for dinner. I will call you later."
"Alright love. I'll speak to you later. Stop in to greet Louis. Bye James."
"Bye Mrs. Hermione. Emilio will be back in no time. I need a nap. I'm not used to all that walking."
Both Hermione and Emilio laughed at their friend. Scorp didn't know why, but he laughed right along with them.
/*/
Emilio and James had a brief conversation before Apparating to The Luxe. James, who didn't want to tie Emilio up for the entire day agreed to a short conversation then a short period of relaxation before the evening. Emilio, who wanted some Saturday time with Hermione and Scorp agreed. The two wizards landed seconds apart and headed to the Luxe dining area to have some lunch.
During the conversation, James accepted Emilio's invitation to be one of his Groomsmen. The conversation had then turned to wedding related things. Both Emilio and James had a good laugh when both admitted they knew shite about weddings.
"I know nothing!" Exclaimed Emilio.
"I know even less than that." Had been James' pointed retort offered with a laugh.
Between chews, Emilio assured James they would learn as they went along. A skeptical James simply nodded. He might not learn, but he certainly knew how to follow. They ended lunch with Emilio assuring James he would share all pertinent information, including the date, after speaking to Hermione.
"I look forward to hearing the details Emilio. Right now, I'm going to my suite, put my feet up as I look over the MCC information, after which, I will indulge in a short nap to refresh myself. There was one last matter James wanted to explain.
"I appreciate the use of the suite. However, I've decided to check out either later this evening or tomorrow morning. Nothing to do with you or the hospitality. I've made a commitment to MCC, but there are other commitments in Milan I should see to."
Emilio was not surprised. "Although Hermione looked forward to dazzling you with a lovely Sunday Dinner, I understand. You'll always be that stand up wizard to me James. I'll say goodbye now James, but I'm only a phone call or text away. In any case, I know we'll be speaking during the week. I do have one favor."
"And what would that be?" Asked James as they waited for the lift.
Clapping his long time friend on the back, Emilio replied with a straight face. "Just don't get back to Milan and regret your decision to join MCC."
James was chuckling as they stepped into the lift. "No worries Mr. COO. James Wooley is a wizard of his word. I will speak to you during the week. Say my goodbye to Hermione and Scorp."
"Will do James. If you change your mind about leaving early, call or text me. I'm sure Mrs. Hermione would like nothing better than to dance the night away with you. Speak to you soon."
/*/
Emilio had mobile in hand even before closing the door. He didn't need to call before going to see his fiancee and fiance, but wanted to check if Mrs. Hermione needed anything other than him.
She didn't need anything, but made it clear they would be having a discussion about their wedding that very evening. Emilio was overjoyed. Hermione had her Maid of Honor. He already had a Best Man and one Groomsman. It was time to pull all the other pieces together. He told Hermione he would be there in an hour.
/*/
The door hadn't closed behind Emilio and James for more than two minutes when the dulcet tones of Hannah Potter filled the hallway. "It is I the lovely Hannah Potter come to snag lunch. Hello little wizard. Hello Mrs. Hermione."
Scorp looked over at his aunty wondering why she was allowed to use her big voice in the house. "Hi Aunty Hannah. I went for a walk with Emilio and the Mintster. We saw the new house. It's so big."
"Scorpius Malfoy. Give Hannah a chance to step into the room before you inundate her with your exploits."
Scorp didn't understand the word exploits. "We didn't do exploits mum. We went…"
"Scorp!"
"Okay mum okay. Can I have toasted cheese for lunch?"
It was a tug of war between mother and son so Hannah quietly made her way to the bathroom.
"Yes. You may have toasted cheese. Would you like celery or cucumber with your sandwich?"
"I want celery and cucumber mum."
"Alright. One of each. Just for today. When Aunty Hannah is finished in the bathroom, go wash your hands."
"Alright mum."
Hermione and Hannah were in the kitchen talking while Scorp chattered away when her mobile beeped. A text was coming through. Before she could answer, Scorp mentioned injuring himself on the slide. Hermione stopped in mid reach to look at her son.
Scorpius Malfoy injured. Hannah thought this was a good time to make herself scarce.
"Injured? What happened Scorp. Why didn't Emilio mention it?" As she spoke to Scorp, Hermione was reading the text from Emilio explaining the accident. He ended the text with, we want chops for dinner. The mother who had just been ready to go into a rant smiled. She should have known better. If Scorp had been seriously hurt, Emilio would have dragged her out of the appointment.
Now that she knew Scorp had only received a minor scratch, Hermione sat across from her handsome boy and listened to him share every last minute of his morning.
/*/
Matt was awakened by someone making loud entry to the house. "Wake up sot. The man of the house has returned and is coming through."
Matt stretched as he brought his feet to the floor and sat up in the bed. "Good morning mate. You loud arse is certainly still loud."
"Morning? It's 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Time for wizards and any company to be up and about."
Using his wand to summon his overnight bag, Matt picked it up before heading quickly to the bathroom. "You can pipe down with that shite Jake. There's no company. However, I will be taking the lovely Mila out this evening. You can make yourself useful by putting on a pot of coffee. I want to be clear headed when I ring Mila."
Jake couldn't resist taunting Matt. "I'll make a pot of coffee but I'll be laughing my arse off as I do. Mila has become a strong, independent businesswitch yet I expected to find her lying next to you in bed. I stand corrected. Lost that old Lozio charm, have you?"
Matt replied, speaking over the shower. "This isn't the old days Jake. I didn't expect Mila to jump into bed with me. We talked. I will share she has agreed to have a date with me tonight so close that clap trap and put on your thinking cap such as it is. I need the names of a few good restaurants. I want Mila to have choices. Why don't you and Davy grab a date and join us? One more thing mate."
"Yeah. As quiet as it's kept, Mila never stopped…. Never mind. Not my business. I'll give you names of restaurants, but I think I will join you and Mila. I'll check with Davy as well. We'll all have choices. What's the one more thing Matt?"
A damp Matt with towel wrapped around his waist came to get his cup of coffee. Cup in hand, Matt stood in the kitchen doorway and replied with a snarky comment. "I'll never lose the Lozio charm. Now that I've refreshed your memory on that point, I'll excuse myself to ring Mila."
"Poser." Jake called out to Matt's back.
Matt did nothing more than throw a hand up in the air before closing the bedroom door, dropping the damp towel and summoning his mobile.
/*/
Mila smiled as she looked at the caller-ID. The handsome Matt Lozio was calling. She was excited, relieved and tingling. When she left him earlier without succumbing to his charms, Mila was sure she wouldn't hear from the wealthy entrepreneur. However, here he was on the other end of her mobile.
Matt hello. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon to you too lovely. Do you have time to discuss our date?
I have time, but it cannot be a long conversation as I have to make myself beautiful for a handsome wizard with a shock of white hair.
Matt remembered Mila's quick wit and responded in kind.
Damn! It sounds as though I'm too late. Although, he sounds like a fine wizard, I'm not sure you should let a shock of white hair cloud your view. In fact, if you'll turn down the other wizard, I'll spell a shock of white into my own hair. Happy now?
Hahaha. That's the Matt Lozio we know and love. Yes, I'm happy. Happy to hear from you. In other times, if Matt didn't get what he wanted, I wouldn't hear from him for days, sometimes weeks.
Mila's frank statement caught Matt off guard. He had been that wizard. Back then all he had was work, bills and looking out for Seth. He didn't have the time or the means to cultivate a relationship. He took love, no not love. He took sex without strings where he could get it. If he couldn't get it when or from where he wanted, he'd just go needy. That was then. At this point in time, he had the time as well as the means.
You haven't spoken a wrong word Mila, but as you mentioned earlier this morning, that was then. The new and improved Matt Lozio is asking for a date with intentions of following up. Shall we start fresh?
Mila's feet were making involuntary dance motions. Matt Lozio was making the statements she had hoped to hear all those years ago. The grasping witch who had snatched Matt from under her nose was no more. If he wanted to start fresh, she was more than willing.
The answer is yes Matt. We will start fresh.
Excellent. Do you have a preference on where we go? If not, Jake promised to give me a few suggestions. Either way, we'll get it sorted before this evening. If you'll text me your details, I'll pick you up at 8:00. Just to let you know, if the two sots can find dates, they will be joining us. Are you alright with that?
I'm fine with that Matt. It's now coming on 3:00. I need a quick nap to be able to face all three of you jokers together. I'll see you at 8:00.
Yes love you will. Additionally, I'll expect an answer to my question of a Sunday date in London.
Alright Matt we'll see.
Until tonight then. Stay lovely.
/*/
Matt put the mobile down before stepping into fresh boxers while softly telling his dick that maybe not tonight but soon he would be getting a surprise.
Matt nearly jumped a foot when he turned to see Jake standing in the doorway. "Still talk to that dick then mate? Old habits die hard. It will just be four tonight as Davy has begged off. We'll be taking our arses and those of our dates to muggle establishments. We'll start at Le Rabassier in Brussels, after which, we will finish the night at Zodiac."
Matt had heard about both places, but hadn't been to either. "I'll take your word for it. Imagine having lived in Belgium most of my life and never having the means to visit a decent club."
Jake huffed at Matt. "Don't start with that old time bullshit. We were poor now we're not. Let's just enjoy the now."
Matt sighed as he pulled a tee shirt over his head. "You're right Jake. Let's just enjoy the now."
"By the way, if things go right, I might have a surprise for you."
"What surprise?"
"Don't pry Matt. It doesn't look good on you. I won't say more because nothing is for sure. Come to the table. My wand and I have warmed up some rabbit stew."
"Rabbit stew? I haven't had that in ages. Let's get to it then because I need to pop out to get a suit." Matt added, throwing his arm around Jake's neck. "I want to look dashing for my date."
Jake grinned. "Dashing, is it? If you look any more dashing, Mila will have to pull the witches off you."
Matt laughed all the way to the table.
/*/
Theo had spent Friday evening out, but was up and in his office almost before sunrise on Saturday. There were things he needed to get in order. He was in a competition for one of the biggest projects of the year. Initially, he wasn't all that chuffed to be invited. However, after seeing the scope of SSE London, his interest had picked up. He was already known as the developer who broke up Malfoy Manor. He wanted to be the developer who finished off SSE London as well. Pulling out diagrams, sketches and notes, Theo put his focus on the items in front of him.
Three hours later, Theo had set his vision of SSE and the adjoining building into the required magical format requested by Seth and Sal. Theo had to give it to those two wizards. They knew their shite. The way it was set up, all a judge had to do was call out a certain spell and the contractor or developer's embedded information would appear in 3D. Even more brilliant was each competitor had to set his own password. Therefore, the only way to view the submissions was with a password. It was a brilliant request on Seth and Sal's part. Secrecy in these types of competitions was key.
Theo went back over his plans three times and each time he made adjustments finally deciding to step away for a bit. Even the most conscientious designer, developer, contractor could sometimes miss what was right in front of his face by not taking the time to step away.
Fifteen minutes later, Theo was back in his flat having breakfast. He was in mid chew when he had an epiphany. Jumping up, Theo pointed his wand and pens and paper came flying into the room to fall softly onto the table. Then he began to furiously make notes. When his burst of writing was done, Theo sat back in the chair and spoke out loud.
"Theodore Nott you have a winner."
Giving his wand a few quick flicks, he called out the clear away spell and watched as his kitchen came back to order. Mentally patting himself on the back, he grabbed the updates and flooed through to his office. Five minutes after that, he was back at his desk incorporating his latest idea into his intended submission.
/*/
Seth and Sal had an early breakfast then sat at the table making small talk. Up to a point, most of the conversation revolved around SSE London. However, when there was a break in the conversation, Seth shared a bit of news.
"Everything is as tight as it can be yes?"
"Yup. It is." Sal replied. "You can't be waffling at this point. Is there something you think we missed Seth?"
"Not at all mate. Everything here is as tight as can be for the moment."
Sal realized Seth had something on his mind, if not the project, then what? "Great. If our project is not what's on your mind, tell me what is."
Seth decided to come right out with it. "I've been invited to a night out."
"Fantastic. I could use a night out. Where's the problem Seth?"
"There's no problem Sal. It's the destination. Pat Jacobs one of Matt and my old mates has invited me to come through to Belgium this evening."
Suddenly Sal saw the problem. "Okay. From your specific use of the word I've, it appears the invitation doesn't include me."
Sal had put Seth on the spot. "Don't be an arse Sal. It has nothing to do with whether you're invited. It has everything to do with the destination. I just wasn't sure you'd want to leave London even for a day. You know how you get when we are setting up a new branch. You're welcome to accompany me anywhere I go."
"Fine Seth. I'm in. Just explain why now. No one has invited you to Belgium in years, so, why now?"
"No big thing. Pat Jacobs invited me to Belgium because Matt is in Belgium and he wants to see the both of us together. It's supposed to be a bit of a surprise."
Sal shrugged. "Hahaha. In this case, the surprise might be me because you're not leaving me in London to gad about in Belgium. What time are we leaving?"
Seth smiled at his mate. "Go pack your overnight. We have a 4:00 pm portkey to Belgium."
There was plenty of time, but Sal stood up and headed to the door. "Won't Matt be surprised. I hope the CEO isn't up to no good. Then again, I hope he is. That way, I'll have something to hold over his head."
Seth grinned at his partner. "You're barking. No matter what Matt is getting up to, I'd never allow you to hold anything over his head just like I'd never allow anyone to hold something over your head."
Sal laughed as the door closed behind him. "I know that. See you in a bit."
Seth remained at the table for several more minutes contemplating why his brother was in Belgium in the first place. As he was standing over the toilet having a pee it came to him. With all the goings on between MCC and Pat and Davy's company, there were probably things to get sorted. Shrugging it off, Seth stepped into the shower thinking Matt didn't need his blessings to visit Belgium.
"Not my business why he's there, but he'll be as surprised as shite when I turn up. Just as surprised as Pat will be when I turn up with Sal as my date. Pat said bring a date. He didn't specify the date had to be a witch. Hahaha, can't wait to see his face."