Chapter 25 – Hits & Misses

He really was going to have to find a better place to meet people.  This place was on the Aquitaine’s radar for any number of reasons.  Running into Avery now would be more than just a mere headache.  He had no way of knowing if Henry had yet spoken to his daughter and it would be best if their stories matched.  Damn Ramon and his delicious tinctures.

“Duncan!”  He could hear her voice from where he sat. Well this was going to be awkward.  He turned to find Avery and Duncan sharing a welcome hug.  This is what he got for not using the piano wire sooner.  He was starting to wonder if that drink was really worth it. 

Before he knew it, Duncan had caught sight and was waving in his direction.  No doubt discussing his purpose for being at the Golden Fitch. Perhaps she would take a cue that this was a more intimate gathering and be on her way.  Not ideal, but better than the….

As he waved back, Avery turned and now both walked towards him.  Damn.

Duncan was all smiles.  He was cute, wasn’t he. Emerson thought, but that did little to soften the glint in Avery’s eye as she approached. What to do. What to do.

Tossing back the last of his drink, as the two maneuvered through the crowded bar, he quickly picked through his options. Some quick mental arithmetic left him with only one truly viable option, keep it vague.

“Avery Aquitaine.” He stood up to greet the woman as she approached.  “I haven’t seen you since my last visit in town.”  

“Emerson!”  Avery cooed, matching his enthusiasm.  “I believe so!  I hadn’t expected you back so soon!” 

The two shared a kiss on the cheek. Keeping up the charade for the sake of Duncan.

“Believe me I hadn’t either,  but you know your father.  He says jump and the only acceptable response is how high? A bit of a family trait one might say”  Emerson winked at a grinning Duncan, as the two came out of their embrace.  

Avery laughed an honest laugh.  “Well that much I must admit is true.  Though I still admit some curiosity as to why he’d want you here.”

“Certainly a question for your father.  I’ve been here and yet to see the man.” 

“My father does keep a busy schedule doesn’t he?”  Her eyes never left Emerson.  Clearly curious, but unsure how to probe further.  The silence was quickly becoming awkward as the two stared each other down.  

Feeling much very left out the loop, Duncan coughed awkwardly in an attempt to remind them of his presence.  “Avery, it sounds like you two have much to catch up on.  Would you like to join us?”  Duncan motioned to a chair, while every fiber in his body screamed no.

Realizing she was imposing on what was supposed to be Duncan’s date, she quickly pivoted direction.  “Oh! That’s very kind of you, but I unfortunately have a previous engagement.  Perhaps next time.”

Duncan exhaled in relief.  “Perhaps, next time.”

Turning back to Emerson, she pulled a card from her purse. “We should get together soon.  I would love to catch up.”

Emerson nodded stiffly and slid the card into his jacket pocket.  “A wonderful idea.  Take care Avery.”

Duncan watched as the woman waved her goodbyes and retreated towards the exit.  The woman was a sight to behold.  He watched as more than a few men cast glances at her passing.  

Exhaling audibly.  He turned back to his date for the evening. “Well that was, exciting? How bout a drink?”

“I think a drink would be a wonderful idea.” Emerson’s eyes were still on Avery as Duncan turned towards the bar in an attempt to wave down one of the bartenders.  

What did that woman know? Emerson mused.

Later in the evening as Emerson sipped on his drink.  He listened as Duncan apologized for bringing Avery over to meet him.  “I’m really sorry about that.  I thought she just wanted to say hi.  It didn’t occur to me that you hadn’t told her you were in town.  I’m sorry.”   

Emerson smiled as he set down the drink.  “As I mentioned the first two times, you have nothing to apologize for.  You couldn’t have known.”

“Oh dear.  The third time you say?” Duncan looked towards the martini glasses lining the counter.  Surprised to see there were more than a few there.  “Mmmm, perhaps we should order some food.”

Despite a rough start, the evening had been all together pleasant.  Even the sincerity of the man’s apology, though none were needed, Emerson had found endearing. “Tell you what, I think I’ve had enough of this place for a bit.  Why don’t we find a quieter venue for the rest of the evening”

“Mmmm. The bar is a little loud isn’t it.”  Duncan scrunched his face as if hearing the noise for the first time.

Emerson let out a laugh. “Perhaps we should, get you food.  Why don’t you come back to my place?  I’m sure I can find us something to eat.  And it’s quieter.”

Duncan looked at Emerson, slacked jawed. “Are, are you sure, I mean, I thought we were just having a nice drink, I didn’t mean to…” Emerson watched the man, quietly amused, as Duncan continued to stammer out an answer. 

Duncan let out an exasperated sigh. Looking at Emerson, he asked, “Did you say something about food?”

Emerson smiled at Duncan and waved to the bartender for their check.