Enid has settled with a cup of tea in her hand watching me and Ashley fall into an easy conversation about the academy.
A conversation that reveals Emmeline is the sister of the twins, and that he keeps coming back to visit. Just like Mason, he runs several business in Helej Norun. Only his is focused mainly on import and export, rather than manufacturing. And that's how he and Mason came together and became friends years back.
Albeit a riveting story, it's not what I want from him. He seems at ease, and less forthcoming than last time we spoke at the charity ball. It could be the fact that he is still half drunk.
With a heavy sigh, he looks back at the clock on the wall and slides out of his seat.
" As much as I would love to stay and chat with you two, I have two nieces who are waiting for me to play with them. But I'm sure there will be plenty of other opportunities in the future. Let's say, dinner sometime....maybe," He sounds uncertain.
" Of course," I stand up to show him out. Something I don't need to do but I want him to ask me out. I need a date, an hour and a place.
" Do you have any plans?" Ashley asks me as we head out of the kitchen.
" Nothing much, other than studying," I say casually, and he rubs the back of his head, uncomfortable.
" I would like to take you out to dinner sometime next week," He says quietly, as if unsure if he is even allowed to ask me out.
I'm not planning to start a relationship with the man. Just a few dates to get the things going. Mason won't need more than that, considering the reaction he had at Graham's.
" Sounds like a plan," I smile at him, but for some reason he blushes. The rosy tint on his cheek makes his freckles stand out even more.
" I'll let you know as soon as I have everything ready," I hope he is not planning anything ridiculous.
" There is no need to arrange anything. You could just go out and explore for a bit and then we can decide where we should eat," I'm slightly amused by his attempt to impress me, but also I find him endearing when he is not being rude to me.
"I don't mind," He rubs the back of his neck again, nervously," I can book us a table at a proper restaurant and then maybe go out for a drink, or a film. Whichever you fancy, really," He blushes again, and I try my best to smother a giggle. I've never made a man blush before.
" No. It's fine. No need to go through all that trouble. A walk and some food is more than enough,"
" A walk and some food it is. Next Saturday. I'll pick you up at lunchtime. I'll have you back in time before the gates close, unless you want to stay here for the night, then we could do dinner," Ashley goes into details and I didn't really think that dating would require so much planning.
" Lunch sounds good," He smiles and nods.
" Lunch it is," He leans in to kiss my cheek before opening the door to leave.
He waves goodbye and I wave back feeling slightly guilty for using him as a pawn in my scheme. When he is not being a douche, Ashley seems to be nice.
I suppose not all first impressions are accurate. Only time will tell.