Flutter

Flutter: Vingt

After Nora had sufficiently hydrated and washed up, she felt much better. It was soon time to dine and her happy mood deflated. At the table, Quinton's dark aura just had a way of sucking away at her. It wasn't just the way he acted, however, that depressed her spirit. Seeing him was enough to remind her of the dreaded day that was approaching her, and that thought was less than comforting.

However, Nora was grateful to have Tifa's presence at Gillans. She really was able to keep conversation afloat and added variety to the topics of discussion. It was primarily Nora, Blaine, and Tifa communicating, though. Catherine only provided insulting quips ,whenever she did have something to say. Quinton, tonight was not the best conversationalist, and kept to himself for most of dinner.   

"That was scrumptious." Tifa noted, as dinner came to an end,  raising her wine glass in toast to the cooking staff. 

"Diddo." Nora agreed, patting her belly. 

"I could eat that strawberry shortcake over and over again." Blaine added.

"So those three slices weren't enough for you?" Nora teased.

"Don't judge." He said, sticking his tongue out playfully.

"Mary!" Tifa said, calling her over.

"Yes, dear? How did you find dinner?"

"I was just telling him that everything was splendid and compliments to the cooks."

"I will let them know that you all appreciated the food. Nothing makes us happier than to know that our guest are satisfied. Even happy to see that Nora practically licked the plate clean"

"I'm satisfied and then some." Nora  said, with a smile.

"If there are any extra strawberry shortcakes in the oven, feel free to direct them to my room." Blaine chimed in.

"Will do, Mr. Keys."

"Oh, now I could go for some red current pie." Tifa said dreamily, closing her eyes and licking her lips.

"With or without whip cream?" Mary asked.

"Excuse me?" Tifa asked. 

"Do you enjoy your pie with out whip cream?"

"Um, typically with whip cream." 

"Done."

"Done?"

"Yep. Expect your red current pie with whip cream tomorrow for dessert." Mary said with a wink.

"Oh, wow. That's what I call customer satisfaction."

"Mary? What's the meaning of this? Nothing for me?" Blaine whined.

"Oh hush, now, Blaine. I've been catering to you for years. Now, let Tifa soak in the sunshine."

Blaine pouted, his lower lip quivering.

Quitnon cleared his throat, and all persons turned towards him.

"I'm sure we can declare this dinner, done. I hope everyone has a goodnight and we can retire to our respective places."

With that, all except Tifa began pushing their chairs back.

"Aww." Tifa bemoaned. "Must we call it a night?"

"'Suppose so." Nora said, with a frown.

"How about we go take a breather outside? Get some fresh air? You wouldn't be opposed to that now would you, Mr. Reeves?"

Quinton mulled over Tifa's request. 

"I do not see why I should object., Though, I prefer if you stay on the property. Is that doable?"  He shot a look in Nora's direction.