Sand and Snow

When Khaat was done, she produced Brian's muggle credit card and signed it as Mrs Brian Quinn, something she had gotten used to when he had added her to his credit card. It was a sizeable purchace but it went through easily.

"Can we go stop at one of the sidewalk cafes and get some really good Italian coffee? There's nothing quite like it," Khaat said.

"It's a lot like espresso," Angus looked at Jess and Jack. "Its really super strong. There aren't a lot of people who can drink it straight unless their used to it because its so strong. But the cafe I'm thinking of serves good lattes and also serves good tea if you don't like Italian coffee. Khaat, wait here with Jess and Jack and I'll take your purchases to the car." Khaat knew full well that there was no car. She knew that they had apparated, and the mention of the car was Angus's code for taking her purchases back to the house for her.

"How about making a cell phone call to Brian to come and get measured while you're at the car?" she asked, responding back in code.

"Will do," he said. "You're in charge til I get back, Jack." Angus left taking endless armloads of packages with him.

"I hope he likes them," Khaat smiled. "Its funny, but when I was single, I didn't dress for anyone but myself. Then I dressed to please Rob. Now, when I shop, I'm always thinking of what Brian will think of the things I buy. It just never leaves my mind. But I'm sure that sounds crazy doesn't it?" she asked.

Angus returned and smiled. "Brian will be here in a little bit. And then he'll join us down at the sidewalk cafe."

"Good," Khaat smiled. "Was he angry with how much I spent?"

"If he was, he hid it well with all the laughing," Angus smiled. "Shall we go? The cafe is two blocks up the street on the same side of the street. And you'll love their pastries." He offered Khaat his arm. She took it, and she let him lead her up to the cafe. He chose a table and pulled two tables together for all of them. He figured Brian would bring Steven too. There was no reason not to, after all.

Angus ordered coffees for himself and Khaat, Earl Grey for Jack, and a latte for Jess, and a sampler plate of their own special tea pastries.

"You don't need tips from me, Jess," Khaat said. "You always dress well." She took a sip of her coffee. It was delightful. She liked the fullbodied flavor in the Italian coffee. "I could get to like this," she said. "The lifestyle is so different. So relaxed. I've been telling Brian I don't want to retire in England. I want to retire here."

"There could certainly be worse places to retire," Angus laughed. "You really do have to learn Italian if you're going to retire here, though. It does help to be able to talk with the locals."

"Thats what I have you for," she laughed.

"You expect me to translate for you 60 years from now?"

"Yes."

"In 60 years time, I bet I can teach that to you," Angus said.

"What are you teaching her in 60 years?" Brian asked, joining them, limping with his cane.

"Italian."

"Oh. She'll learn that. That won't be an issue," Brian sat down. "Now, how many suits did you tell them I wanted?"

"Why?" Khaat asked.

"They took twice as many measurements as any tailor I've ever seen."

"That's so they fit well, Dear," she kissed him. Angus snapped his fingers at a waiter and ordered another coffee for Brian. It was delivered almost instantly.

"And she'd be a lot more glamorous if she'd stop wearing my shirts," Brian said.

"I like your shirts," she said. "They smell great."

"Not always," Brian laughed.

"She has never worn those," Angus defended Khaat.

"The longer I'm here, though," Khaat said, "the harder it is to go back to England."

"We still have purpose there, Khaat," Brian said. "If the day comes that there is no reason for us to be there any longer, I'll have us packed and moved within the hour. I promise. You know, it is okay to like more than one spot in the world. At least we don't have the restraints muggles have. We do have the ability to slip off here any time we want."

"That's true. But we do need to do it more often," Khaat said. She picked up a tiny dark chocolate petit four and ate it. It was wonderful. "We could use these at home too."

"She wont' even let me make the shirts her size," Brian complained.

"They're not supposed to be. They're supposed to be your size. Just as they are," Khaat said. She looked at Jess. "They just don't get it."

"As long as you dont' wear the ones that he's just worn in the gym, you're good," Angus said. "Those ought to be burned."

"I work hard," Brian defended himself.

"Thats true. You do. And you smell like it when you're done."

"That's what showers are for," Brian said.

"Is that what you have that gigantic shower in your room for?" Angus teased.

"No," Brian suppressed a smile Khaat's direction. Angus just laughed out loud.