|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 1, 2012 12:29:56 GMT -5
Diagon Alley wasn't quite as impressive as Mallory had heard, but she didn't mind that a bit. It was cozy, almost, and that suited her just fine. Her shop would open that afternoon, and for now, she was exploring the shops nearby and getting to know her new home. A cup of coffee, and perhaps a bit of something else, sounded divine as a break.
She wore three-inch toeless heels on the cobbled street as though it were marble, each step smooth and assured. She was well aware of the looks she got, of the envious stares of women at the fit of her red dress and the lustful gazes of men. She was used to it, and headed with purpose toward the cafe, keeping her eyes ahead.
Her vibrant red hair was done up atop her head with curls spilling down here and there at the sides of her face, bobbing near the arch of her neck, and she gave herself a glance in a reflection on a window before stepping in. It wasn't that she was vain, but if people were going to look, they might as well have something to look at.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 1, 2012 14:10:40 GMT -5
It was slow in the shop and Mano was leaning against the counter, wondering idly if it was worth making a deal with that Peruvian farmer to begin adding a more premium selection. Perhaps that could be his next goal. However, he was pulled from his thoughts by the sight of a woman who looked like she should be falling forward, considering her ample proportions. When she walked in he paused a moment before straightening.
"Hello, Miss," he said. "How can I help you?" He could control his words much better than he could control his thoughts upon seeing the woman. Oh she was certainly a sight for sore eyes. I have got to tell Eros about this.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 1, 2012 14:23:02 GMT -5
"What are your specials today?" Mallory asked, her voice slightly husky, red lips curving into a smile. She could have looked for a sign which may or may not have existed, but she got far better service when she dealt with people face-to-face. Whether they were able to look her in the eyes or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 1, 2012 15:28:05 GMT -5
Mano gave his own easy smile before he rattled them off with practiced ease. "And a most delectable red velvet cake from one of the best cooks in the country," he finished. He had gotten bored of serving simple things and had decided to try to spice up his offerings with more hard to find and high dollar choices. And yes, he could look her in the eyes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 1, 2012 16:40:32 GMT -5
Being spoken to rather than at was refreshing, and Mallory smiled at the man for his restraint. She might have thought him gay, but she knew the look in his eyes. "I'll have the pumpkin spice latte... and a slice of your delectable. Red. Velvet. Cake," she said. She did have a bit of a sweet tooth, and though she'd intended on something less sugary, if it was that good, she simply had to try it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 1, 2012 18:12:43 GMT -5
One eyebrow raised ever so slightly as Mano gestured for the employee he had set to cleaning to make the drink. "You won't regret it," he said. "I don't believe I've seen you around. Forgive me if I am mistaken, but are you new to the area?" He could show her around, tell her the secrets of the town, share some cake. His lips curved.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 1, 2012 19:28:30 GMT -5
"I recently bought Madam Primpernelle's, and hadn't been to Diagon Alley before last night. I've been spending the morning looking around, getting acquainted with things, you know." She paused, eyeing the man a moment. "You aren't the owner, are you?" It may have seemed a non sequitur, but really, the people she'd be seeing most often could make or break the location. She certainly hoped the place was as open-minded as rumor made it out to be.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 2, 2012 12:18:25 GMT -5
"I might be," Mano said. "I've been here a few years now. I have quite the reputation." More than one reputation, and some of them were not visible beyond soft sheets and plush pillows. Her drink and cake were sat on the counter beside him and he nudged them forward for her. "Free of charge, consider it a welcoming present."
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 2, 2012 13:24:20 GMT -5
Mallory's brows rose a fraction at his declaration of a reputation. She might have wondered what it was for all of a second, but his little welcoming present made it rather clear. So he thought himself a Casanova, did he? "Could you bring those to a table for me?" she asked, and without waiting for a response, turned and headed for a comfortable spot just out of sight of the street.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 2, 2012 16:39:17 GMT -5
Mano raised his eyebrows and eyed the woman as she walked away. Now that she wasn't looking, he could feel a little more free to watch her as she moved. Damn. He debated for all of a moment before deciding to play her game, if only for a little while. He came out from behind the counter, treats in hand. "Do you have a name, or should I come up with one for you?" he asked as he settled the things on the table.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 2, 2012 16:55:00 GMT -5
Mallory gave a light, humorless chuckle. "I've heard that before," she teased. She turned and slid into a booth, then patted the seat beside her. "If you're not too busy," she said, "I tip well." She was fairly certain he was the owner, and therefore didn't need her tip, but she was enjoying this. She gave him a sultry smile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 2, 2012 17:16:10 GMT -5
"I never said I was original," Mano said, smiling. "It's my delivery that earns me points." He slid in next to the woman. He would certainly like to see just how well the woman tipped. "I'm sure the boss won't mind if I take a break." No, he didn't mind at all. In fact, he encouraged it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 3, 2012 20:36:37 GMT -5
"My name is Mallory Van Rockeghem," she said, answering his question now that they were actually close enough to speak. "The owner here is..." She paused, thinking a moment. "Mano Berwyn, I believe. I intend to stay in Diagon Alley for the indefinite future and was hoping to meet him." She looked at the man pointedly as her lips parted for her first bite of cake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mano Berwyn on May 8, 2012 11:52:42 GMT -5
Mano's eyebrows raised, but he grinned again as he obliged. "I'm sure he would be glad to hear his name is known," he said. "I believe I recognize your surname, myself." Perhaps an old family name or some sort that he had read in a book or heard someone speak of.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mallory Van Rockeghem on May 8, 2012 13:07:20 GMT -5
Mallory gave a polite smile, though she wasn't nearly as pleased as she would like to pretend. "The Van Rockeghems have been in England less than a century. I'm sure they'll throw themselves back into Society in the next five years, if they haven't done so already." Yes, her parents and their darling son, a whole and normal boy to carry on the family name. Well, she'd die before she'd do so.
"I prefer my independence," she added.
|
|
