Flutter

Flutter: Dix

           "If you're certain." Tifa responded. "I am feeling hungry."

           "Good. I'll go tell Mary to set one more plate out for dinner. Just hold on tight."

           Nora spun on her heels and quickly headed through the patio doors, searching for Mary.  Turning a corner she collided with a tall and hard figure.

           "Oof." Nora huffed, after having the air knocked out of her. She lost her footing and was sent sprawling.

           "Whoa! Where's the fire?" Blaine remarked with a chuckle. Nora stuck her tongue out in mock anger. Blaine offering Nora a hand and heaved her up off the floor. He held onto her arms, making sure she was steady on her feet.

           "It would do you some good to slow down there, Nora." Blaine said, brushing off some lint from Nora's shoulder.

           "Noted." Nora replied, rolling her eyes. "Have you seen Mary by any chance?"

           "I believe she's upstairs with the children."

           "Ah, thanks!"

           "Before you go, how are you and Tifa getting along?" Blaine queried.

           "Oh just fine. She's not so bad after all – or at least for now." 

           "Indeed."

           "That's why I'm looking for Mary! I am making sure she can stay for dinner. I mean what kind of host would I be if the guest left unsatisfied?"

           "Splendid idea, Nora!" BLaine animatedly responded. "Yes, run along then. Go find Mary."

           "Will do. Tata, again."

           Nora rushed to and up the staircase, calling for Nora when she reached the landing. Mary peeked her round face out of Quinton's bedroom, before entering the hallway.

           "Yes dear?" Mary asked.

           "Mary! Can we set out an extra plate for Tifa? I'd like her to come to dinner."

           "Well, I don't see why not. Hopefully she'll be better company than the last two were. Though, I don't think Quinton anticipated her to stay.  I'll have to run it by him."

           "Let me!" Nora chirped.  Mary regarded her quizzically.

           "I m-mean, maybe I can persuade him with my womanly wiles!" Nora said, batting her eyelashes.

           "Well, you're more than welcome to try. I'd like to see that."

           "I'll be back with his answer!"

           "I doubt he'd object. He's in his office now."

           Nora was off again, heading down the stairs two at a time, eager. 

           She approached his office door, stopping a moment to catch her breath. Just as she was about to knock the door was swung open before her and Quinton was standing before her. He looked down at her with a bored expression on his face. Nora took him in quickly, surprised that he was in normal attire for once.  His red button down was open at the collar, revealing tan skin. It wasn't tucked in at the waist and slightly wrinkled. Overall he looked weathered.

           "I was not expecting you." He drawled.

          "Um, I have something to ask you."