Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 78
Sal and Seth had been quite correct. They had received at least five texts before 9:30. Two more contractors had declined to go any further. They were now down to two contractors and two developers.
A frowning Sal told Seth their project was turning into a shite show, but Seth disagreed.
"You look at it as a shiteshow Sal. I look at it as the best rising to the top. Perhaps we won't have to make choices. Perhaps the gods are choosing for us."
Sal didn't bother to reply because his partner just might be correct. He and Seth might not speak it out loud, but he was sure Theo Nott was their choice.
/*/
Matt, Emilio and Gas had sat in on Adam and Richard's Belgische Huizen update. Things were going well. Pat and Davy had well laid out, well planned ideas which could move forward with a cash infusion from MCC. Richard fairly gushed about the plan which would help citizens as well as the territory. Adam also shared that some Belgian higher ups had also become interested in Belgische Huizen and were willing to support Pat and Davy.
Matt was thrilled. Not only had he helped two mates, he had reconnected with a first love as well. Matt sat there grinning feeling like Emilio Lozier.
Emilio and Gas remained in Matt's office after the call discussing MCC business interspersed with comical details of their daily lives. Finally, Matt gave them both the boot telling them he had work that needed to be done.
Emilio stood telling Matt he had been booted from better places. Gas chuckled loudly but left the room with commenting. Before walking out, Emilio suggested that Matt bring Mila by the house so she and Hermione could coordinate their outfits for the Fieldcrest event.
"Are you referring to the soiree?" Matt asked.
"One and the same cousin."
"I'd like nothing better except we will be getting Mrs. Hermione's consent beforehand as I don't care to be wand whipped in front of Mila."
"Hahaha. Good point. I shall inquire. Meanwhile, set you Wonder Wizard Watch to early."
Matt huffed before telling Emilio to go get some work done. Three seconds later, he was texting Mila about the Fieldcrest event. Five minutes later, Mila responded.
I love a good soiree.
Matt waited until he was in his private bathroom to laugh out loud.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 79
Matt may have been having his little laugh but Mila was way ahead of him. Tuesday afternoon she sent a text to Hermione inquiring about the dress code for Saturday evening. Hermione had returned the text telling Mila whatever would burn the eyes out of her wizard. Mila had responded with a grinning emoji. It was set. Mila decided she would have to go shopping. While she was extremely happy on the one hand, Mila was anxious about another thing. Davy had sent a message asking to see her which was strange. Davy never messaged her. He just stopped by. She had returned his message letting him know she was in London but could meet with him Wednesday afternoon. Davy was fine with that.
Her happiness at getting back with Matt had thrown her witch senses off a bit. Not once did she wonder what Davy wanted to discuss.
/*/
Adam and Richard were enjoying themselves in Belgium. Davy and Pat were showing them nothing but a good time. It was only in the dark of night Adam realized he and Richard needed to get their heads back into the MCC game. They weren't there to party. They were there on business.
Knock, knock.
"Who?"
"It's me Rich." Adam called out.
"It's kind of late for a visit but come on in mate." Richard snarked.
Adam laughed. "Kind of late? It's 9:00 pm. Were you getting ready to tuck yourself in?"
Richard sat down and put his feet on the table. "No Adam. I wasn't ready to tuck myself in. I was going over MCC business. The way things are going we will be back in London by Thursday."
"True that. We'll be back in London in time for the Fieldcrest thing. I'm looking forward to not having a quick feel in the back gardens."
"Hahaha. You're an arse Adam. To business. I believe there is an opportunity for MCC."
Adam was now all business. "How so?"
Picking up a few sheets of paper, Richard handed them to Adam. "Take a look. Now that the higher ups here in Belgium have become interested in Belgie Opbouwen/Belgische Huizen I believe there will be smaller entities that will want to come aboard. I mean builders, carpenters, developers and marketing companies. The list goes on. Those companies will need support. MCC could definitely meet those needs."
Adam was nodding as he was reading. "You're right mate. I took my eyes off the prize. It's only 8:00 pm in London. Text Matt to let him know what we are thinking. He'll either sign off on it or he won't."
Grabbing his phone, Richard was ready to send the text but hesitated as he turned to his partner. "If Matt agrees, this might mean we'll be in Belgium for the entire three weeks. No Fieldcrest party for us."
"Stop being a tosser Richard. That's what they make portkeys for. Send the text."
Richard sent the text.
/*/
Matt had closed out the day as soon as feasibly possible. Mila was at The Luxe waiting for him. She had stayed the night and would be going back to Belgium that evening. Matt didn't want to waste a minute of their time together. Both Emilio and Gas had already left and were home enjoying dinner with their families. Matt didn't have a family, but he did have a witch. It was time he went to see about her. Gathering up the documents he wanted to review, he put on his suit coat and headed to the floo.
It was quiet when Matt entered the suite. "Hello Miss Kohl. Are you having a lie down? I'll be glad to join you." He added in a low voice.
No response. Matt was puzzled. Mila couldn't have gone back to Belgium. They had discussed her plans. They would spend some time together before she went back home. So where was she?
"Mila?'
Just when Matt was becoming concerned, Mila stepped out of the bathroom. "Hello handsome. I thought I would take a quick shower before you got here. I miscalculated."
Matt grinned as he wrapped Mila in his arms. "For a moment, I thought you had gone back to Belgium without a word. You smell delightful. I apologize for being so late but…"
Mila put her finger across Matt's lips. "You aren't that late Matt. There's certainly no need for apologies. I have dinner under a warming spell so all is not lost. Go put your things away so we can eat."
Leaving a kiss on Mila's forehead, Matt hurried into the bedroom to drop his case and make himself presentable. Mila had responsibilities. She needed to get back home. He didn't want to waste a minute of their time together. It had taken him ten minutes to get ready for dinner and his witch.
/*/
Dinner was over and Matt and Mila were enjoying a last bit of sex time before she had to catch her portkey. Matt had just leaned in to whisper in Mila's ear when….
Ping. Ping.
Both Mila and Matt sat up. "Mine or yours?" Mila asked.
"Let's check. It's probably your superior checking to see if you'll be in tomorrow."
"Surely you jest Mr. Lozio. I am the superior in my company. If I choose to take a day off, it doesn't impact the work flow at all."
Ping. Ping.
"Alright love my mistake." He remarked, picking up his mobile. "Ah! Mr. Hughes has…" Matt stopped in mid-sentence as he read the text. "My fantastic wizards have done it again."
"Done what?" Asked Mila, peering over Matt's shoulder.
"They have pulled possible new business out of their arses. It looks like I'll be accompanying you back to Belgium. Let me reply to Richard then text Emilio and Gas. It seems I'll be able to spend one more day with my witch."
Mila had a wide smile on her face as she excused herself to shower and pack up. "Send your text. I'll be in and out of the shower in ten minutes."
"Alright. Emilio has acknowledged the text. He's chuffed over the possibility of new business."
"I hear you talking Matt but I can't make out what you're saying over the shower. I'll be right out."
Matt hurriedly put a few things together in his overnight case then sat on the side of the bed naked as the day he was born waiting for his turn in the shower. On her way out of the shower, Mila grinned at her naked wizard and gave him a pinch on the butt as he passed.
"That's a handsome Lozio butt. The front isn't bad either."
Matt laughed as he stepped into the shower. He was going to Belgium on business but he would definitely make time for Mila.
/*/
Scorp was down for the night and the fiance and fiancee were discussing upcoming events. They had a 10:30 appointment with Grace Leyton scheduled for tomorrow. Nonna and Nonno Lozier would be touring 2 Tudor Lane then having dinner with them tomorrow as well.
Leaning against Emilio's shoulder, Hermione made a profound comment. "Tomorrow will be the real start of it all love. Once we give Grace our information, all we'll have to do is relax. I love Wedding Planners. They make things so simple."
"I'm glad you love Wedding Planners Mrs. Hermione, but please remember this will be your last interaction with one as I plan to be married to you for the rest of my life."
"Alright my love I agree as I plan to be married to you for the rest of my life. I had thoughts of bringing your someday son with us tomorrow but good sense prevailed. Can you imagine him asking Grace every question under the sun?"
'Hahaha. I can envision that. My someday son is very smart. So who will have the pleasure of sitting him?"
"I'm hoping to rope Nonna and Nonno into watching him for the hour I'll be gone. We are all set. By the way, I had to explain a little bit of why we sleep together in this room to Scorp. He believes we sleep in here because you like giving me private kisses. I.."
Emilio was just about to make a remark about Scorp when a ping alerted him to an incoming text. Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, he wondered what Matt could want at this time of night. After reading the text, Emilio was pleased.
Hermione was pleased that Emilio was pleased but wanted to know what was so pleasing. After re-reading the text, Emilio handed Hermione the mobile.
"The wunderkinds have done it again love. It seems Adam and Richard believe there are opportunities for MCC in Belgium. Matt plans to be in Belgium all day tomorrow."
Handing Emilio his mobile, Hermione voiced her concern. "Shall we reschedule with Grace? I'm sure she could…."
Emilio grabbed Hermione by both hands. "Don't even think it. I wouldn't miss our appointment for all the gold in Gringotts. We will not be rescheduling. MCC has a crack team who will be glad to step up if necessary. In fact, let me send a group text to the FF to advise they might have to adjust their schedules if necessary. This will just take a minute."
Hermione summoned a glass of wine and sat back until Emilio finished what he had to do.
"There finished. Sorry love. I know this is our time but I had to make sure everything would be on point tomorrow."
"Don't be silly. There's no need to apologize for doing your job. Besides, you're here I'm here and Scorp is dead sleep. If you can't think of anything to do, I have ideas."
Emilio chuckled as he grabbed Hermione by the hand. "I think I might have those exact same ideas. In fact, I'd like to escort you to our bedroom where I'll be glad to show you my Lozier ideas."
"I've had a long day Mr. fiance so please stop talking and start applying those ideas."
Closing the door behind them, Emilio stared at his normally amorous witch. Summoning Hermione's pajamas, Emilio walked over and began helping her out of her clothes. "I have an idea. It's not the aforementioned Lozier idea, but for tonight it will do. Tonight it will be cuddles only."
Turning to hug Emilio, Hermione laid her head against his chest. "I haven't done anything strenuous but it feels like I've run a race. I'll welcome your cuddles and leave you with a to be continued."
"Sounds like a plan love. I'm going to take a quick shower. I'll be back before you can say, I love Lozier cuddles."
Hermione let out a loud yawn. "Oh my goodness. That was just plain rude. Have your shower then come back and wrap me in those loving arms."
Emilio leaned down to leave a kiss on Hermione's temple. "I can do that. Back in a minute."
Turning on her side, Hermione couldn't help wondering if the Lozier wedding planning was leaving her rundown. Not possible she thought. I was never this tired planning my wedding to Draco. A quick thought about how Draco had handled just about everything for their wedding didn't have a chance to form all the way before Hermione's eyes closed.
When Emilio came back to the bed, he smiled. His witch really was tired. Sliding into bed, he told himself he had promised a cuddle, and a cuddle it would be.
/*/
Theo and Blaise were just ending a brief night out. Blaise couldn't believe the wizard sitting beside him was the real Theo Nott. His mate had gone on for an hour about the SSE project. He hadn't disclosed any proprietary information, but it was quite evident he was chuffed about becoming part of the project.
"Well mate. It's time I get the hell out of here. I'm scheduled to meet with one of my biggest clients at 10:00 am. He's slippery so I'll need to be at my sharpest best."
Theo smiled. "Really?"
Blaise reached over to cuff Theo on the arm. "Let me rephrase. I'm always at my sharpest best. However, in this case, I'll have to be even sharper. The wizard is a menace. Anyway, I wish you luck on the SSE Project. Later mate."
"Later Blaise." Theo said as he raised his finger for the bar wizard.
"The same Theo?"
"Yes. The same."
The Ogden's Finest was down and done in two sips. After leaving payment and tip on the bar, Theo waved goodnight to the bar wizards on duty. He had to get home to look over his plans, yet again.
/**/
Emilio was up and dressed earlier than usual Wednesday morning. He wanted to mention their appointment with the wedding planner, but Hermione was still dead sleep. At that moment, he thought how strange it was for Hermione to be so tired. Then, as quick as it had formed, the thought disappeared. Emilio kissed Hermione on the temple, stared at her for a few seconds then left to go start his day.
By the time he had a quick cup of coffee and a muffin, Ezra, Caitlin and Nicholas were settled in the smaller conference room speaking to Gas which surprised Emilio. He wasn't surprised the FF was there. He was surprised Gas was there. Emilio immediately checked his thoughts. Gas was just as much of a Beast as he and Matt.
"Good morning team. Matt takes a day and our CFO and FF are trying to take meetings without me. I'm onto you all. What's good?"
Nicholas, Ezra and Caitlin grinned at Emilio.
"Good morning Emilio. Everything is on point." Offered Ezra.
"We are here to offer whatever services are needed." Added Nicholas.
Gas sat there beaming. CEO? What CEO?
Emilio glanced over at Caitlin. "Nothing to add then Miss Mathers?"
Throwing her arms wide, Caitlin had a smart answer. "The FF is a team. What is said by one, is said for all. We are ready to serve."
Gas beamed even more. "Alright then to business. The FF is on reserve in case something unforeseen comes up. Otherwise, it's business as usual. Anything to add Emilio?"
"Nothing. As Caitlin so succinctly put it, what is said by one, is said by all."
Nodding in Emilio's direction, Gas made the final statement. "Alright then. That's it. On your way."
/*/
Emilio and Gas remained in the conference room discussing a few business matters before heading to their offices. Gas wasn't even in his seat before his mobile pinged. Emilio had sent a text reminding him about his appointment. He would be leaving the building at 10:00 am. Gas returned a three word text, okay good luck.
/*/
After the text to Gas, Emilio sent one to Hermione to be sure she was awake. Fifteen minutes went by. No response. Emilio sent a repeat text. He still didn't receive a response. Rather than sit there and wonder, he apparated directly from his office. He needed to check on his witch and his someday son.
When Emilio landed, the house was quiet. It wasn't to say it was normally full of shouting and nonsense, but this was dead quiet until a voice called out from the top of the stairs.
"Emilio? Is that you? Mum is sleeping in your room. Crissy and Dusty gave me cereal. Can I come downstairs?"
Emilio could hear Crissy scolding Scorp for speaking out of turn. Mrs. Hermione had already told her what to do.
"Hello young wizard. It is me, Emilio Lozier come to see about you and mum. Crissy, Dusty and Embers seem to everything in hand. You may not come downstairs. Stay up there and follow whatever orders mum has set."
"But…"
"No buts Scorp. Crissy, please take him back to his room. I'll check on him before I leave." Emilio had been walking as he was talking. Their bedroom door was still closed which was unusual. He began to…. Hermione was still in bed with covers pulled up to her chin. Gently so as not to surprise her, he sat on the side of the bed and pulled back the covers and shook her.
"Hermione love wake up. It's almost 9:30. We have an appointment."
Hermione yawned and stretched before realizing Emilio was home from work. She jumped up. "Have I overslept? Are we late to see Grace?"
Emilio was now extremely puzzled. His punctual, observant, brilliant witch was acting like some drunken sot who didn't know what day it was. He reached out to take her hand. "Slow down Hermione. You have overslept a bit, but we aren't late for our appointment. However, we will be if you lie back down. Are you ill?"
Hermione grinned. "No dearest. I'm not ill. Forgive me, I was simply being a lazy lout. I'm fine now. Scorp must be wondering what has gotten into me. I'll…"
"You don't have to do anything except get that lovely bum into the shower and get dressed. Crissy and Dusty have our son under control. They are following your instructions to the letter. You'll need to be up and about when your mother and father-law to be step out of the floo. Now, I'm going to say bye to Scorp and I'll see you back here in an hour."
"Alright love. Sounds like a plan. I don't know what's come over me. Give me a kiss then get back to MCC before they send out the FF to hunt you down. I love you Mr. Lozier. See you in an hour."
Emilio left a kiss on Hermione's lips surreptitiously checking to see if she was feverish. She wasn't. "Alright Mrs. Hermione. I'll see you in an hour."
/*/
After Emilio left, it still took Hermione a few minutes to get herself right. She headed to the shower wondering what she was playing at. She never, ever slept until 9:30. A quick thought rushed through her mind but was rapidly discarded. Couldn't be she mumbled before turning the water to hot.
By the time she had gotten dressed and cleaned up the bedroom, Ilaria and Emiliano were stepping out of the floo calling out to her. She could hear Scorp gleefully calling back. "I'm up here Nonno and Nonna. I think mum is still sleep."
Ilaria started to say something but Emiliano growled. "Don't you dare say a word. Hermione will…"
"I will what Nonno?" She asked giving both Loziers a hug. "I overslept this morning. My apologies. Nothing monumental. Let me get Scorp. If you haven't had breakfast, all the fixings are in the kitchen. Just use your wand." Hermione added with a smile. "Crissy, please bring Scorp downstairs. His Nonna and Nonno are here to sit with him while Emilio and I have our appointment."
"Yes Mrs. Hermione. Scorp coming right now."
"Yay! My Nonno and Nonna are here to sit with me. I love my Nonno and Nonna. I already had cereal but we can have toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch."
Ilaria and Emiliano grinned at each other. Their someday grandson was such a delight.
/*/
When he got back to MCC, Emilio wasn't very productive. He spent thirty of the sixty minutes going over the events of last night and this morning. He hoped his witch wasn't ill and just too stubborn to admit it. He'd just have to keep an eye out. The next thing he knew, Gas was at the door comically gazing at his Wonder Wizard Watch.
"Are you trying to catch a hex from Mrs. Hermione? It is now 10:05. Shouldn't you be on your way somewhere?"
Emilio automatically glanced at his own Wonder Wizard Watch before letting out a soft chuckle. "You are right in one. I should be on my way somewhere because the last thing I want or need is for my lovely fiancee to swing her wand in my direction. I should be back before noon."
Gas was nodding his head. "Take your time and do what needs to be done. I have the remaining FF and some Fourth Levels to do my bidding. MCC will be here when you get back. Good luck with the appointment."
"Thanks Gas. I'll see you later."
It was 10:15 when Emilio landed at Malfoy Estate to be welcomed by his mother, father, someday son and his gorgeous fiancee.
"Hello everyone." He remarked before kissing Hermione and his mother on the cheek, Scorp on the forehead and shaking his father's hand. "Since there isn't a wand pointed in my direction, I believe I've made it in time."
Putting her arms around Emilio's waist, Hermione gave Emiliano and Ilaria a sly wink. "You are lucky. You've barely just made it. Let's be on our way before Grace gives us up as a bad job."
"I'm ready love. Be good for Nonno and Nonna Scorp. No bad reports."
"Okay Emilio, okay."
Hermione and Emilio waved as they stepped into the Apparition area. Next stop, Wedding Planner.
/*/
Much to the surprise of both Hermione and Emilio, the appointment went so smoothly they were finished by 11:15. They had given dates, numbers, names, colors and more minutia than they thought possible. Grace was a fantastic wedding planner and had pulled out every bit of information she needed. The last part had been the venue for the engagement party which both Hermione and Emilio declined. They had made their announcement. Nothing further was needed on that end. However, they were thrilled with the venues for the wedding rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding itself. Everything was in place. Grace congratulated Hermione and Emilio for their early start assuring them she would keep them updated on the plans. Before Hermione and Emilio signed the contract, Grace gave them a bit of sage advice.
"If you have any changes or updates, please get them to me as soon as possible. I suggest you visit or tour, where possible, the venues you've selected. Sometimes what looks good in a moving photo isn't as appealing in real life. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Your draft will be deposited immediately, however, if things don't work out, you'll get a full refund minus a fifteen percent service fee. Grace thanked them for their business and they were on their way home.
/*/
Before apparating back to the house, Hermione and Emilio took a few seconds to whisper their hopes and dreams. It was a very short conversation because Hermione said she was starving. However, it was an extremely happy couple that landed in the apparition area of Malfoy Estate.
As soon as he heard the sound of someone coming in, Scorp was up in a flash. "Nonna and Nonno it's mum and Emilio back from their appointment. Did you marry? Are we moving to the new house? Can I call Emilio…"
Hermione stepped in before Scorp could finish his sentence. "That's enough Scorpius Malfoy. I have spoken to you several times about commenting on adult matters. Emilio and I will let you know about certain things at the appropriate time."
Everybody went quiet for several seconds. No one wanted to see Scorp get a scolding. However, Emilio set everything right with a simple, few words. "How about this? We wizards should have a short, private discussion in the study."
"Is Nonno coming?"
"No Scorp. This discussion is between a wizard and his someday son."
Scorp sighed. He had made his mum cross. He hoped Emilio wasn't going to be cross with him too. Crissy was right. Sometimes he talked too much.
/*/
The talk hadn't been bad at all. Emilio only said what Crissy told him all that time. He talked too much and spoke out at the wrong times. All he had to do was stop commenting on adult things. He could do that, but sometimes he got so happy he forgot the rules. It was all okay because Emilio was happy with him. It was even better when he got back to the living room and his mum was happy with him as well. Everybody was happy with him. Perhaps he'd be allowed two toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch.