Arthur wasn't practically a fan of early mornings on day offs. But he had an event to attend which he cautiously confirmed had zero media access inside the venue. He had been captured by a lot of media journal cameras but none of those knew who he was so those captures remained as an unnecessary one.
Yet it was risky, because you can never trust yourself with paparazzis. If not for Venessa, keeping his profile completely confidential for years would have been harder. She was a journalist herself and perfectly knew how to avoid the media through her profession. And thus, she taught him a few tricks to look less noticeable in front of the public which still helps him a lot.
He opened his cupboard to find one big corner filled with all black and white outfits. Basic, monochromic and slightly dull. He was so used to wearing these all these years that he almost forgot how he looked in other colors.
But something changed.
One corner of the cupboard had a little color on the show. A few pale blue and purple sweaters. Alex looked at them for a few long minutes because it reminded him of someone. Someone whose heart is too young and colorful compared to his.
He wanted to keep up with that energy but sometimes didn't know how to. Yet the urge was intact.
He picked up his phone and started his new favorite activity of the day.
He clicked on a profile and tapped on their story. The story was a capture of a dish, a really common one. A plate of deliciously cooked steak. But the presentation was a bit too familiar. In fact, only he likes to do that with his steak plate.
He instantly thought about typing something.
Arthur: It looks good.
Arthur: You should at least give some credit to the chef.
Lockwood: You think so? I thought you meant the capture, not the food.
The reply came too fast after the second message was sent which made Arthur reflexively look at his wrist watch.
Arthur: Landed already?
Lockwood: Just now. I didn't take the domestic flight this time. Gonna go for a long drive trip in a way.
Arthur: Good.
Just good? Arthur thought of adding something more as the reply just now felt like the ending of a conversation. He somehow didn't want it to end right away, at least not now.
Lockwood: Yes.
Then before he could think what to reply further, another text came.
Lockwood: So you do know other colors exist in this world.
She must have been talking about the time she saw him on the airport. Arthur looked at the colorful corner of his opened cupboard and couldn't help but chuckle. He was thinking the same.
Lockwood: It's suits, you know.
Arthur's eyes were glued to the mobile screen as he kept looking at the response. He knew he couldn't put any serious meaning into the compliment but still he couldn't help but ponder about it.
What can he even say anyway? If he had the chance to say something and it wasn't a wrong time again, he would have shown her all the thoughts inside his head. And he knew she would be so intimidated by those. He knew it wasn't the right time and place for that but he couldn't help it.
She even looks more than perfect in her simple black slacks and white blouse. If only she knew that much.
Lockwood: You should say thanks when someone is complimenting you.
She texted again impatiently as she didn't get any reply.
Arthur: Drive safe. Text me when you reach.
As soon as Arthur hit the send button, a small knock caught his attention. His cottage didn't have any doorbell. It was how he designed the house himself. Vintage styled architecture with vintage style interior and furniture.
Instead of doorbells, he placed a lion head shaped old-fashioned door knock. The sound of the knock hitting the door was unique and a few years back someone complimenting it reappeared in his thoughts.
"Wowwww… it's so cool! How can you sleep in such a cool place? If I were you, I would probably sit at the doorstep and wait for a vampire to knock at my door."
"And how are they going to knock at the door if you sit on the door step?"
"Uh… I don't know? Whatever! Why do you have to nit-pick on everything I say? Just ignore the loopholes, come on!"
"As you wish."
He soon snapped back, straightening his back and almost downstairs running to open the door.
"Arthur, hi."
Arthur didn't know who expected to come at this moment as he wasn't exactly expecting someone, but it could have anyone but the person in front of him right now.
"Venessa."
It's a long way from her home. Her and her husband's home to be exact. What made her bring here except the fact that the neighboring house is where her in-laws live? But Arthur was sure that house was empty today. Josh and Rebecca went for their honeymoon and Mr. and Mrs. Ashford decided to travel somewhere too. So, he was pretty sure the house had no living for her to greet at this time.
Arthur glanced at his wrist and checked the time again. She is supposed to be at her office right now.
"Can I come in?" She asked softly, not sure if the softness of her tone reached Arthur's rigid expression at all.
It used to soften him every time she talked sweetly like that, but so many things changed over the past. And yet she keeps getting reminders of those times. It's said, when you are not happy in your present, sometimes you just keep dreaming of the past and wish to go back to it again and again. Maybe that's why she is reminded of those times once in a while.
"What do you need?" Arthur didn't sound rude but his intention was quite clear. He didn't want to let her inside unless there's a valid reason. Well, he has been treating her like that since she got married to Stefan. It's now nothing new to her, and he had full right to act this way.
They weren't in a relationship worth coming around to meet each other often and she is someone else's wife now.
Or was.
In any way, Arthur was always careful and thoughtful enough when it's about setting boundaries, and that's one of his most attractive qualities. She did meet him once in a while because of their work. Like recently she got to visit his restaurant again as the channel she worked in wanted to cover his restaurant aesthetics this time in their magazine. That thing alone made Stefan misunderstand that she is again involved with her past lover.
Not that she cared enough to clear it out. She knew he won't believe her. And making him believe in something she didn't want to believe herself would be a complete hypocrisy anyway.
"Let's talk."
She gathered up her last bit of courage while looking into his eyes, asking for a silent permission just to let her in.
Arthur paused for a moment at her gaze and then nodded a bit, making room for her to enter.