Page 62 of The Best of Times

“I think you can call me Beatrice now.”

Paul screwed his face up.

“Beatrice,” he said, gingerly. “That will take some getting used to. How about Bea?”

Granny beamed. “That’s what they used to call me at school. I would love it.”

“Bea it is then.”

With that she went down the stairs.

“I won’t wait up,” she called after her. “Come on, Parkin.”

Aron still wondered if she suspected something. He wouldn’t put it past her.

He went into the drawing room as the little terrier charged after Granny.

“Hurry,” Paul said. “We’re nearly running out. The pipeline is wavering.”

Aron slumped down. “It’s unfair. Two to one now. I’ll have to work double hard.”

“Ah,” the Professor said, putting down a little bag on the pile. “I think I should turn in. I don’t want to look too ancient on my wedding day.”

He stood.

“Thank you both. For everything you have done today. It is so appreciated.”

He squeezed each of them on the shoulder before wandering over to the door. Once more in Granny’s slipstream.

“Professor,” Aron said.

“Yes?”

“Would you like to sleep elsewhere tonight? I’ll crash here.”

Paul’s leg jolted. Aron stifled a giggle.

“Are you sure?” the Professor asked.

“Go on,” Aron said. “Please take your own robe this time.”

The poor Professor reddened. “Paul. The spare room is made up,” he said. “I’d better grab a few things.”

The Professor scurried off. His footsteps sounding on the stairs as he went up to his bedroom.

“Nice move,” Paul said. “Two nights in a row. I’m honoured.”

Aron resumed filling the bags.

“I don’t know what you’re expecting,” he replied with a sniff.

He was simply rewarded with a smirk for his answer.

That smirk will get you everywhere.

They worked on at the wedding favours. Aron would be seeing these little bags in his dreams. It was a nice companionable silence though. The clock ticking and the fake fire crackling. His colleagues in New York would see this as a very traditional Christmas scene. Especially with all the trinkets and furniture surrounding them.

“You were magnificent today,” Paul said.