Chapter 12 – Priorities

After breakfast, Emerson sat on the bed and began to gather the rest of their belongings to signify their next intention. The day was quite full. First a meeting with Mr. Aquitaine, then a second attempt at Ms. Caroline, and some devious plotting to round out the night. They leaned over the bed to grab the pair of crumpled up socks and began to assemble the rest of the wardrobe. 

“Hey, do you have somewhere to be?” Duncan said as he set his coffee down on the wardrobe. “I was thinking that we could grab another bite or something if you don’t have anywhere to be.” 

Emerson knew what Duncan was hinting at. They scoffed and said, “While yes that would be lovely, can we raincheck for another night? I have to meet with Mr. Aquitaine for lunch and then I have another engagement tonight”

“Engagement eh?” He said. “Sounds rather intriguing, well if you need some post engagement company let me know.” 

With all the advancements Duncan was throwing at Emerson, it was hard for them to say no. They had to admit the night spent was actually the first time, in a long time, that they felt compassion and embrace of another. And yet there was  something in the back of their mind that restrained them from agreeing to Duncan’s offer. 

“Well I will have to keep you informed if my plans change.” They said with a smile and a wink. Though Emerson was a true conversationalist, there was something about their reaction that was abnormal for them. Perhaps the jolt of playful expression said something more. 

“Oh of course, I have to meet up with Mrs. Avery later for an appointment anyways,” Duncan exclaimed. 

This genuine connection had tickled both of the participants. With that said, Emerson looked up from tying his shoe and smiled. “Sounds good.” 

The two of them parted ways and set out for the day. Emerson quickly made his way back to their barren flat before meeting with Mr. Aquitaine. In a blissful state of mind, Duncan relaxed in his chair and stared at the art piece on the mantle. His mind, enamoured by the events that had occured over the past 12 hours. He had nothing else to do but get ready for the day. 

Emerson made his way to the Golden Finch to owe a detailed explanation to Mr. Aquitaine. Once inside, a waitress showed them to a stylish private room at the end of the restaurant. As the door opened, Mr. Aquitaine was sitting there at a table for two with some afternoon delights.

“Please take a seat, we have so much to discuss,” Henry said.

Duncan strolled into the office with such glee. He hummed a light-hearted tune and had a pep in his step. Though he had not meant to share his personal endeavors with Mrs. Avery, his demeanor told another story. Mrs. Avery was certainly one to notice such things due to her dad’s countless business lessons. 

“So you seem in good spirits today. How was your night?” She said as she prepped some paperwork for the meeting.

“Oh yeah it was pretty good, I had some company over,” Duncan grinned as he laid his eyes on her. “It was the most unexpected evening I’ve had in awhile.”

She knew that smile was more than just your average one-night stand and inquired further. “So who is he?” It was the first time her professional relationship with Duncan that Mrs Avery made a pass to get to know one of her employees. This was a different kind of excitement she was in the market for.