Maia rushed into Chedwicks minutes before her shift. She went into the storage closet, grabbing her apron. The pub owner, arnetta, met her behind the bar. "how was your debut?" she asked, smiling at Maia, who was rushing to start.
"It was nerve-wracking," she paused, then gave a cheeky smile, "but I loved every minute of it."
Arnetta sucked in air, shaking her head. "You remind me of my daughter."
"The Bonnie Binnetz, no way that's too much of a compliment, Arnetta." Maia refuted in disbelief.
Bonnie Binnetz was the kingdom of Kress's sweetheart. She was a country girl who came from humble beginnings but sadly lost herself in a tragic ending with a crazed ex-fiance who couldn't let her go. Rumors are still swirling about the Grand Duke of Boulder marrying her in secret and fathering his son with her, but no one dared to confirm and question Arnetta or the Grand Duke.
"You don't always have to be so yielding, Maia. Your talented and beautiful relish in it," Arnetta told her before serving the customers at the bar.
Thinking about what Arnetta said, she thought to herself, 'Is relishing in my talents and beauty worth the drama it will bring?' Maia shook off the thought she had her sick mother and mounting debt to think about. Between the bare minimum pay she receives from the Sienna Theatre and the money she makes from Chedwicks, the money hardly covers the cost of medication, rent, food, and travel expenses. Even though her mother tries to hide it, Maia knows her mother has been taking on embroidery jobs, wanting to lessen the burden, but it does more harm than good because her mother is already weak.
"Miss two beers, please," a gentleman called.
"Right away," Maia said with her prettiest smile, wanting to earn the highest tips today.
After delivering two mugs to the table, she was stopped in her tracks by a blond-haired man with long locks. His beard coated his face, making him look rugged. "Miss, aren't you a performer from the Sienna Theatre?" he questioned.
"Yes," Maia responded but tried to hurry away, being called to another table. The gentleman grabbed her hand, which she reflectively snatched away.
"Im sorry. I didn't mean to be so brazen, Miss." he lifted his arms in surrender. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your performance, is all," he said, trying to appear harmless, but he seemed more like a grizzly bear raising their paws before attacking. His burly, muscular physique and deep voice didn't help him in the slightest.
"It's fine, and thank you." She smiled and walked away.
The young man who was sitting with him snickered like a schoolboy. "She probably thinks that you're a monster of a brute, Ronan," the man chuckled, wiping away the tears in the corner of his eyes.
"Shut it," Ronan snapped, grabbing his mug and taking a long sip.
The end of Maia's shift came to a close, and she said her goodbyes to Arnetta, who was busy behind the bar and just waved her rag in response.
Stepping into the cool early winter breeze in the now desolate alleyway market, Maia felt a bitter chill as she walked past what used to be a vegetable stand but was now replaced with knitted hats, gloves, and other winter supplies. Creeping up to the pathway leading back towards the main street of Lenox, Maia waved to the driver of a stagecoach.
****
(flashback)
As Soren stepped out of Chedwicks, the hot spring breeze and the hustle and bustle of the alleyway market welcomed him back. But amidst the commotion, his eyes fell upon a familiar figure - Maia, her blazing red curls swaying and dancing with the afternoon breeze. She was standing by a vegetable stand holding a basket. Her slender, shapely frame wrapped in a simple flower-covered dress that swayed with every step she took, Soren couldn't help but walk towards her. With a swift move, Soren snatched her basket off the stand where she started to reach and flashed her a smile as she turned to confront the audacious thief.
"Miss me," soren said in a hush, warm tone.
"Soren, why are you here?" Maia relaxed as she gave him a puzzling look.
"I had a meeting nearby," he said, assuring her and holding out his arm for her, which she reluctantly accepted.
Soren led Maia out of the busy alleyway market onto Lenox's main street. A spring festival overtook the entire street; he noticed she was still visibly awkward standing in the crowd. Wanting to offer her comfort, he suggested they stop for a cup of tea. Maia, although hesitant, still agreed and followed him to the Riverstone, an upscale café and bakery. The café was known to be frequented by aristocrats. As Maia stepped into the dining area, she was struck by the opulence and sophistication that surrounded her. The plush seating arrangements, the ornate decor, and the tinkling of champagne glasses all contributed to the air of refined elegance. Clutching her basket of fresh vegetables and wearing a simple summer wrap, Maia couldn't help but feel a bit out of place amidst the glamour and luxury. As they settled into their seats opposite each other, Soren could sense Maia's unease and decided to take the lead in conversation.
"How was your interview?" he asked
"Fine, I hope," she responded as she held her basket on her lap, ready to bolt.
Soren chuckled. 'She doesn't have a poker.' he thought.
"Well, let me ask another question," he said, chuckling. "How's your mother?"
"She is fairing swell," she said, giving him a look of unease.
"Do you want to leave?" He asked as his eyebrow furrowed.
"Um, no, why? Wait, do you want to leave?" she stammered as she whispered, not trying to draw attention.
Soren relaxed in his chair and crossed his arms, holding in his laughter. "well, it doesn't matter to me if we stay or leave. I want to be in your company."
Maia blushed. Her face turned as red as a ripped tomato. "Soren," she called, her voice dripping with shyness.
Soren stood. "Well, let's go," he grabbed her hand, bringing her back into the street. The festival was becoming more alive with music and people dancing.
Soren offered his hand, but Maia was in no mood to dance. He egged her on by pulling at her hands, caressing them, and she smiled, calling him a charmer.
He placed her basket on a window ledge and wrapped his arm around her waist as they slowly caught the beat of the music. She was laughing at his uncoordinated moves, but nevertheless, he was truly handsome and graceful, and they looked almost intended.
"What a beautiful couple," a lady called out, walking past them.