Monday, 5pm
The diary between Arrago and Bethany had started as a way for them to leave work-related messages. In too short a time, it had become the means by which a fragile friendship had blossomed. Then, just as fast, it had become an awkward flirtation device. Now it was back to Arrago’s original intention. He hated it.
They’d barely spoken in the last two weeks, even during training. He was purposely finding ways to avoid conversation, and Bethany seemed on a mission to avoid him. They were still training together in the evening, but even those sessions were filled with tension.
Still, he wrote the notes and did his job because that was what he was hired to do. It wasn’t her fault he’d built up his hopes in some kind of weird, twisted fantasy that could never happen.
Bethany,
Mother Aneese’s messenger came by the study today. She said you’ve been avoiding her and missed the last three appointments. Mother Aneese threatens to lay siege to your quarters until you relent and meet with her concerning the festival.
Arrago
***
Monday, 7pm
Bethany stared at Arrago’s neat handwriting and sighed at her own stupidity. He’d turned so cold towards her. That had been the original intention for avoiding him, but she hated it. All of it. He was fun to be around. She felt like a person when she was with him, which was a novel feeling for her. Just a person. She’d never been “just” something in her life.
Oh, screw it all. Nothing was going to happen between them. They could be friends and colleagues and it would all be fine. The risks were all on her side. Arrago staring at her was just him being a man. She was stupid for getting so scared by it.
And she really missed laughing with him.
A – I’ll buy you a beef pie in town if you promise to keep her off my back for the rest of the week. I’m avoiding her on purpose. Long story.
Underneath, she drew a stick man with a giant circle near his mouth. She wrote “Arrago” under the stick figure and “pie” underneath the circle.
***
Tuesday, 5am
Arrago laughed at Bethany’s drawing. Apexia forgive him, but fuck it all. He liked her too much to play cold and aloof.
I’ll do it for two beef pies and a fruit tart.
Underneath, he drew three circles to emphasize the point.
***
Wednesday, 5am
Arrago was disappointed to discover Bethany hadn’t replied to his message. Had the line been drawn and he’d crossed it, not realizing?
“Master Arrago, sir?”
“That’s me.” Arrago looked up to see a grubby servant holding a basket...and the delicious scent of meat wafted from the basket.
“I was asked to deliver this to you at five sharp,” she said.
“Thank you. Oh, I should pay you.” Arrago glanced around the room before remembering there was money in Bethany’s top drawer.
“Not needed, sir. The lady paid extra for the delivery. Where should I put this?”
Arrago took the cloth off the top of the basket and was hit with even more deliciousness. He carefully took the warm pies out and put them on his desk. “Thank you so much!”
“I was also supposed to give you this.” She handed him an envelope. It read:
As ordered. Also, I have two bottles of good claret that Jovan hasn’t found yet. I plan to drink them tomorrow and catch up on my paperwork. You’re welcome to help. Bring food. B.
He smiled. He put the letter in the diary and wrote:
I’d like that, Bethany.