Hakeem turns to the door of ‘Shape of Brew’, his own smile plastered on his face, when his brain finally decides to contribute to the situation.
Realization hits as he bursts through the door, all eyes in the cafe turningto him. Charlie raises a blue eyebrow, today they appeared as a short man with tanned skin, a groomed handlebar mustache, broad shoulders and sporting a flannel shirt and suspenders under their apron. “Charlie! I have a date at a ball and have no idea how to dance or what to wear!”
Without any questions, Charlie screams with excitement and throws their arms into the air. “My time has come!”
* * *
When Eddie makes his way into the gym, the pep in his step is undeniable. Seamus notices from the corner of his eye as Eddie hums satisfyingly to himself.
“Well, it seems someone had a good morning. What’s got you dancing on clouds, Eddie?”
“Hm? Oh nothing really, just got some good news is all.” Eddie strolls into the locker rooms to change, spirit high and a song in his heart.
Bernard and Oswald are at the gym that day, and can’t help but notice the dumb smile plastered on their old friend’s face. They exchange a look between reps.
“Honey bear?”
“Yes, my little river otter?”
“Did Eddie mention anything to you about the spring ball he goes to around this time?”
“No, my love, I don’t believe he did.”
Oswald ponders for a moment, scratching at his beard. “He usually goes alone, meets up with his family and has a decent time. But that’s the grin of someone with some very good news. Do you think he finally found a plus one this year?”
Bernard takes a look at Eddie over his shoulder, “Maybe a plus two?”
“You suspect it too then, honey bear?”
“You see how he looks at them.”
“I do. I really do.”
Before either of them can ask Eddie about his cheery disposition, Wendybarges in like a raging bull. “Eddie, I hope you’re free! Jackson is being weird and I need to clear my head.”
Eddie is happy to oblige. “Sure thing, Wendy, meet you in the ring. That okay, Seamus?” Seamus simply offers a thumbs up and an approving grunt.
Eddie and Wendy both gear up and step into the ring for their usual sparring session. “So,” Wendy asks as she circles the ring, preparing to strike, “anything interesting happened last night? Jackson’s practice with the mirror ended kind of abruptly.”
“Oh, nothing worth mentioning really. Did you see the meteor shower?”
“I did. Say, random question. Isn’t Hakeem a magical genius with an affinity for astromancy?”
Eddie’s smile grows brighter as he blocks her blows. “He is an amazing mage, and yes he does.”
Wendy’s eyes narrow as she and Eddie continue to spar. “Jackson said something about being taught a lesson, also Hakeem’s area of expertise is it not?”
“Our Hakeem is an amazing teacher, passionate too.”
Wendy’s gossip senses tingle as her ears pick up the fondness in Eddie’s voice. She’s onto something, but has to tread carefully. If questions became too personal Eddie won’t answer at risk of betraying either of the boys’ trust.
Another blow from Wendy is blocked by Eddie and she dodges just out of his own counter. “You seem extra happy today, did anything interesting happen?”
“Maybe it did. Maybe I have adatefor the masquerade ball next week.”
At this point Oswald and Bernard had decided to watch and listen, their ears picking up on how Eddie drew out the sound of the word ‘date’. Wendy notices as well, thirst for gossip driving her forward.
“Oh that’s fun, anyone I know?”
