Vesper

Rex smiled at the customers as he took their order, he knew them both very well. 

Pandora and Xenophilius Lovegood were two of his closest friends, Pandora more than Xeno. The two had gotten married two years prior, Rex at Pandora’s side as her ‘Man of Honour’. They had all met at a school event in Rex’s 4th year. Both of them went to a rival school but they all hit it off, keeping in contact through social media. When the couple enrolled in uni, he just followed suit. He was grateful for the two. His school friends were great, but sometimes he really needed a second opinion on things. And the Lovegoods were always good for them. 

Pandora, a Graphic Design major, is the president of the art club; which is why Rex gets away with not attending most meetings. She always did have a sweet spot for the younger student. Xeno, a Business major, had always just followed his lover anywhere she went. They both had plans in secondary school to have a magazine, so when uni rolled around, the two majored in useful things. Both now are interns at Witcher Weekly, a magazine that mainly focuses on celebrity drama.

“Oh Rexxie, the club is putting on an art show. You must attend,” Pandora smiled at the boy, “Your art is so lovely and I’d love to display it.”

“I don’t know Dora,” He sighed, “I’m quite busy with work and school starts back next week.”

“I knew you were gonna say that,” She frowned, “I was just looking forward to seeing some new pieces.”

“When is it?” He asked, Pandora smiled at the boy, pulling out a flyer, a snowy theme with small silver details.

Quibbler Art Club Presents

The 3rd Annual Art Show

Dec. 23rd 2022

“I know you couldn’t participate last year, but I think you could this year,” The blond smiled. “Oh and keep the flyer, you could hang it up in here, get the club some new members.”

“Maybe Dora,” He replied, taking the flyer and pinning it on the corkboard by the register, placing it beside a poster promoting the theatre club’s new show Rent. 

“Rex, I don’t see why you fight,” Xeno laughed, “You know she always gets what she wants.” Before he could reply the door opened a bell signalling new customers.

“Good morning, Welcome to Griff’s,” Rex turned to the new arrivals. “Oh Lily, good morning.”

“Good morning Rexxie,” The ginger smiled at him, walking behind the counter. She had walked in with a man that looked familiar. “This is James, one of my roommates, I think I’ve mentioned him before.”

“Good morning Rex,” James smiled at him. 

“Jam, hello,” Rex laughed, Lily looking between the two. 

“Jam?” Lily questioned, “Do you guys know each other?”

“We met yesterday, while you were gone,” Rex replied, not breaking eye contact with the boy. 

“Okay well, I have to go do inventory, so have fun,” She said as she walked into the back.

“Oh um, I’d like an Earl Grey and also a Vanilla Latte.” James said.

“Okay,” Rex smiled, “That’ll be £6. Are you that tired, you need two drinks?”

“Oh uh no, my brother is outside. He doesn’t like going into places.” James replied, handing the boy a tenner.

“Ahh, that makes sense,” Rex says, handing him 4 £1 coins. “Your drinks will be on the counter.” James smiles at the boy, turning to look at the corkboard.Rex walked away from the register and started to make the boy’s drinks. After a few minutes, he set the drinks on the counter calling ‘Jam!’

“Oh shit sorry,” James said, finally walking up after his name was called 4 more times.

“You okay there?” Rex asked, giving the boy a small laugh.

“Oh yeah,” James said, grabbing the two drinks,” Was just reading all the flyers.”

“Oh, are you interested in any of them?”

“The art show looks cool,” James responds, “I mean to go see, I’m no artist.”

“No? I pictured you as the next da Vicini,” Rex laughed.

“I’m more of a Ben Foden,” he grinned.

“Should I know who that is?” Rex questioned.

“Fullback for Rugby United New York, winner of 34 caps for England?” James said, finding it hard to believe Rex didn’t know he was.

“I am not a sports guy,” he says, “but I’m assuming you are?”

“Did I not mention I’m a rugby player, I feel like I would’ve mentioned that.”

“You did not mention it, “ Rex chuckled, “maybe we can talk more about it later, it seems more people are coming in.”

“Sounds like a plan,” James said, walking out of the store. 

Getting off at 3, Rex decided he would stop by the library. He knew Mary would be there and wanted to chat. It also was a bonus because he thought her coworker, Remus, was very attractive. He knew the man was engaged, but that didn’t stop him from admiring the boy. He arrived at the library around 3.30, parking his car near the front.

“Good afternoon,” a librarian says sweetly as he walks in, heading up the stairs to the non-fiction section. He made his way up 2 floors, passing by people he recognized from classes, waving at them as he walked.

“Oh! Hey Rexxie,” Mary exclaimed when she saw the boy.

“Hey Mar,”He smiles at her, walking behind her desk. “So how was your date yesterday?”

“Ughhh,” She groans, “I don’t think she even knew we were on a date.”

“How could she not know? I mean you did ask her right?”

“Well, no.” She sighs, “I mean I asked her to hang out, but I never said it was a date.”

“Oh you poor thing,” He laughs, patting her on her back, “Lesbians are clueless.”

“Hey,” She smacks his shoulder, “Just because it’s true, doesn’t mean you can say it.”

“I just can’t believe you,”He says, “So what did you guys do?”

“Well first we had to pick up the cups, sleeves, and napkins. But after that we went to a movie, we saw that new Jordan Peele movie. Which was great, anytime she got a little spooked, she would grab my hand.” She rambled, “ And then we went out for dinner, we got Indian. Cause you know, she's vegetarian. It was really good. We got dessert at this fro-yo place, I got peanut butter, she got cheesecake with graham cracker dust.”

“Okay, first breath,” Rex said, “and second, it sounds like a really good date. I still can’t believe she didn’t know you guys were on one.”

“Oh Mary, you had a date yesterday?” A voice asked. Rex turned around and saw Remus approach them both. He walked up to the cabinet beside Mary’s desk and started filing some folders he had. 

“Pfft - no,” She replied, looking at Rex for help.

“Oh hey Remus,” He smirked, “How are you? You’re looking as handsome as ever.”

“Hello Rex,” He chuckled, “You look nice, did you do something to your hair?”

“I did!” He boomed, “I cut it last week and I’m trying a new hairstyle.”

“Well it looks good, “ Remus replied, “Is there a reason you’re behind the desk? I thought we talked about this last time. If you wanna talk to Mary, pull up a chair. She could get in trouble if someone saw you were back there.”

“Aww come on Remus,” Mary whines, “You’re the only boss who comes up here, are you really gonna write me up?”

“Yeah, please Remus,” Rex pouts, giving the tall man puppy dog eyes.

“Ughh, you two are the worst,” He sighs, walking off.

“Why don’t you want him to know about your date?” Rex asks the girl.

“I just don’t want him to tease Lil and I.” She says, planting her head in her palms.

“Well if you don’t want to then it’s fine, “ He smiles at her, “I have to  go pick up my roommates, talk to you soon.” He hugs her goodbye and starts his walk to his car. Remus passes him as he walks down the stairs, smiling at the boy.

“Have a good day,” the librarian says as he walks past her.