Hard To Believe

Eliot quickly reached the penthouse through the portal Margo had created the day before, in an alley beside Quentin's shop. He needs his best friend and found her sitting at the kitchen counter having a drink with Julia. The girls were already looking at his direction when he entered the room.

"From the look on your face our favorite nerd didn't throw himself into your arms."

"Bambi, if he had thrown himself into my arms you wouldn't have seen me tonight." He replied despondently.

"We were just talking about the two of you, Margo and me. We believe he just needs time."

"Did you talk to him Julia?"

"Nope. I tried but he didn't pick up. He must have been busy."

"He had a client when I arrived. I waited outside until the man left and then I went in. Q didn't have time to call you back." He responded by taking a seat on one of the high stools, on the opposite side of the counter.

Margo, who was preparing more drinks, delivered a Laddie Cosmo, for him and a Cosmopolitan for Julia and another one for herself. She sat down next to Julia and they both looked at Eliot, waiting for him to tell them everything.

"I guess I need to tell you both everything right?"

"El, Q had already told Julia all the shit, and she knows what he thinks."

"I think he still loves you. He is hurt. For months, he refused to get his hopes up. I want him to be happy. You two deserve to be happy. Be patient."

Eliot saw that she was sincere. Julia and he had a very rocky start. He blamed her for messing up their lives with the beast, not forgetting the episode that almost left Quentin trapped in his own mind. For him Q would never have spoken to her again, but he could see that she was his Bambi. He take a sip of his drink, which is great. Margo is completely reliable with mixology.

"I poured my heart out to him. I told him all the truth I hid for so long. He didn't seem to believe it, and I don't blame him. Not at all."

"Did he hear you? Did he let you speak?"

"Yes, Julia, but he was...he kept saying it is hard to believe me after everything that happened and, my actions after Nigel."

"I told you it was going to be fucking like this El."

"You did, but deep down, I was hopeful."

"Don't lose your hope Eliot. He loves you. I can tell you that."

"What if he got over me Julia? There was a moment when I thought he was going to throw me out. At the end, he sounded angry when I said he could take his time to think. He thought I'd be going back to Filory."

"El, you are fucking banished from Filory. You can only go back when you have Q by your side."

"I won't go back Bambi. I promised I'll wait for him, no matter how long." He gave a soft smile. "I told him I wanted to spend time with him. He didn't say no. He said he don’t want to see me tomorrow."

"When?"

"I don't know. He has my number now. He can find me."

"Did he say he was going to call you?"

"Not exactly Julia. What gave me hope is that he didn't object when I mentioned having dinner and talking." Everyone was silent for a moment. Eliot resumed. "I love him Julia. I regret everything I did. Especially what I didn't do. Not confessing my love sooner, not believing in us from the beginning. If I could change something, I would."

"Would you go back to the throne room and do it differently?"

"Nope. I would go back to the beginning and make him my boyfriend before your birthday. I would have been with him since his admission."

"If you liked him from the start, and you were never shy, why didn't you go after him back then?"

“He is an asshole Julia.”

"Bambi! The truth is I'm a coward. I knew he was different, that he was my kind of guy. I felt something connecting us as soon as I saw him. I was sure he would change my life and that terrified me. As I said, coward." He gave a sad smile and continued. "My fear made me believe he would never love me. I assumed he was straight. I used everything I could find as an excuse to not face my feelings."

"Yeah Margo, he is an asshole."

“I told you bitch.”

Eliot then suffered a friendly attack from the only two women who could help him find his way back into Quentin's heart.

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Quentin had a portal at the back of the shop that led directly to his room, which he never used before. Even though Ted knew everything about magic, he avoided using the portal. He enjoys the daily walk. It helps him relax and feel light. After everything they had been through, it is good to feel like any regular guy for a few minutes. When he went downstairs, he found Ted coming in the front door.

"Daddy, something wrong? Weren't you going out with Maryl?"

"Hi Curly Q. I didn't think you were home yet. Vivian, Maryl’s daughter, fell a few hours ago. We took her to the hospital but I came back, because the doctor told them to stay at the hospital tonight, as a precaution." Ted looked at his son and noticed that he is upset. "What happened son? You seems to be, I don't know, nervous?"

"Yes, something, better, someone happened."

"Eliot is back." Ted was not asking. He knew it. Did fathers also have the same sixth sense as mothers? Maybe, if it is someone who really care about their children.

"How do you know?" Quentin was baffled.

"Quentin, you wouldn't be like this because of Margo or that other guy, Josh." It was funny how Ted spoke of his friends as if he knew them intimately.

"Yeah, you are right." Quentin gave an embarrassed smile and sat down on his father's comfortable old sofa. Ted sat on his favorite armchair, after taking off his blazer, already knowing that this conversation would take some time.

"You might prefer to talk to Julia about your love life, but son, even though I'm not a young man anymore, I still understand a little bit about life. I know you, so I can give you an advice or two."

Ted's eyes are showing all his sincerity. Father and son are much alike. Q could see that and with his chest almost bursting with so many conflicting feelings, he told his father everything happened. From Margo's two appearances to Eliot's visit a few minutes ago. Ted listened attentively and waited for his son to say everything at lightning speed, stumbling over the words trying to reproduce everything they said, his hands couldn't stay still.

"Let me get this straight. Eliot came over and told you the three most wanted words. He also asked you to hang out and talk. He said he wants you back but he will take whatever you can offer. He gave you his number and said he will wait for you here, on Earth. Am I correct?"

"Yes Dad." Quentin couldn't help admiring the man before him. Despite dressing conservatively, in grayscale, his thinking was modern and practical.

"He said everything you wanted to hear, didn't he?"

"Yeah." There is no denying. Eliot said everything Q wanted to hear, fulfilling every wish.

"He gave you space and did not demand any condition, saying he'll wait for you." This time Quentin just nodded.

"What worries you son?"

"I don't know if I can trust, you know, what he's telling me."

"Why not?" Quentin put his hands to his face and groaned. "Son, I just want to understand and maybe, if you put out what you think, you can come to a conclusion more quickly, because I see that you keep questioning every point."

"He might change his mind and leave again."

"Why would he have a reason to change his mind?"

"I would be the reason. He might get tired of me and want someone else."

"Yes, that chance exists. Just as you could not want him anymore."

"Impossible."

"No, it is not."

"It is! I fucking love him, dad!"

"Deep down you fear he doesn't love you the way you love him."

Quentin was silent until he threw his body back, dropping his arms to his sides, giving up on hiding his feelings from his father.

"Why would he love me?"

"I am very sorry that you don't see yourself the way everyone else sees you. You are a wonderful man, a devoted friend, who fights for everyone you love."

"If my own mother didn't want me..."

"That says more about her than it does about you Q." Ted got up and sat next to Quentin on the couch. "She said you broke things. In truth, you are the man who fixes, who mends. You make something broken whole again. Do you think she was right about everything she said about me?"

"No, of course not." Quentin finally looked at his father again.

"You are saying she's not right about me, but she's right about you?"

"Maybe."

"There's no maybe here. She never looked at us, the real us. Eliot looked at you. The problem is that even though you love each other, you don't think you deserve the other's love."

"He's so smart, so cunning, so loyal to his friends, so true to the ones he loves, and... what Daddy?" The expression on Ted's face stopped him.

"You keep describing qualities in him that you also have. I can bet he sees the same in you. Of course, you are different, but equals in what is important. You two went through a lot before you even met, but you have similar journeys.” Quentin sighed wondering if his father has a point. “Q, you just said he's true to who he loves. In my opinion, he sees you, and finally assumed that he loves you." Ted looked him in the eyes and asked; "Do you want him back in your life?"

Quentin looked up at the ceiling before answering. "So fucking much."

"Deep down you still see him as your husband don't you?"

Quentin froze for a few moments before looking at his father again.

"How do you know?"

"Son, you don't act like a single young man. You behave like a guy who has a partner. A life partner. You don't even look at someone who throws himself in front of you.” Ted put his hand on his son's shoulder and squeezed lightly. “Stop torturing yourself with 'what if' and talk to him. Let him prove you right or wrong. Call him and be the brave man you always are. Say what you need to say, and hear him. If you still want your husband, fight for him, fight for your happiness."

Quentin didn't know how to respond so he just stared at him.

"Forgive me if I say too much. I'll leave you alone and make us something to eat. How about some meat sandwiches?" Without waiting for an answer, Ted gave his paralyzed son a hug and went to the kitchen.

After dinner, where his father talked about everything but Eliot, Quentin decides to call Julia.

"Q! Exactly who I wanted to talk to."

"Hey Jules. Eliot showed up at the store and you tried to warn me, didn't you?"

"As promised, but you had a client and couldn't see me."

"Did you talk to Eliot?"

"When he left here, Margo called me to talk about you guys, and when he came back he told us how it went."

"Did he tell you everything?"

"Yes, he realized that it's better to have me as a friend than an enemy." She said laughing low.

"He is smart."

"Q, how are you? I was hoping you would call me sooner."

"I'm fine, maybe, hum, I don't know, not really. I wanted to come home before calling you. Dad was also arriving and I ended up talking to him and eating. I just managed to sit here, in the backyard, to call you." Quentin had sat in the blue iron chair they always use at barbecues. It was a night of mild temperature, starry sky and the crescent moon already appeared in the sky. The smell of cut grass was something he had always loved since he was a kid. It always felt like home, even with all the drama. His mother never went there, being a safe place for him and Ted, who loves his flowers and the lemon tree.

"Did you tell Ted about Eliot's visit?

"He sort of guessed." Q gave a soft laugh.

"Our good old Ted. You're lucky to have him Q." She expected a comment but when he kept silent, she lay back comfortably on the pillows on her bed and continued. "What did he say?"

"Eliot or Dad?"

"Ted, you moron. Eliot has already told me everything." She laughed again.

"Jules, are you on Eliot's side?" Q could not lose his best friend in this mess.

"I will always be Team Quentin. Right now, being on your team puts me on his team too."

"No it doesn't."

"You love him and I believe he loves you. He'll make your happiness complete. Yes, it put me on both teams."

"I'm reconsidering talking to you."

"Don't be an idiot. What did Ted say?"

Quentin took a few seconds to drag on his cigarette and then summed up. "He said I still see Eliot as my husband and that’s why I wouldn't even consider looking at someone else."

"Wise man our Ted."

"Spare me Julia. He also said that El told me everything I wanted to hear. He believes that our problem, hum, mine’s and El's, is that we don't believe that the other can love us in the same way."

"Ted is as wise as..."

"Jules!"

"Ok, ok.” She tried to contain her laughter for her friend's benefit. “Listen, I can't say anything different. You need to decide if you're going to give a chance to this relationship."

"What if he decides, in the middle of the process, that he doesn't want me anymore?"

"Why would he do that?"

"He didn't want me before."

"Fuck you Q! El already said he was afraid ‘you’ would do this. You are mad at Eliot for being afraid and not believing in your love, and now you are doing the same thing? How mature."

"Fuck you!"

"It's the truth Q. You're terrified and I understand."

"I'm not."

"So what are you doing? Revenge? Do you want Eliot to humiliate himself? I even support you making him suffer a little, but remember that you also suffer away from him. You did, those past months."

"No, I...I don't know."

"Okay Q. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You have every right to have doubts and need a break. I just ask you not to punish yourself too much by punishing Eliot."

"I...Fuck! I guess I want him to prove himself, to convince me. It's not exactly punishment. I guess I need proof that he really means it. Every word."

"Great! We got somewhere. What's the plan from now on?"

"I think I'll have to talk to him, right?"

"You have your answer." His friend says goodbye so he could get his head straight.

Quentin tried in vain to sleep. He seemed to be plugged into a current of electricity. He stayed in bed for hours, staring at the pale walls, from which he had removed not only the Filory posters, but also all the other books and movies that permeated his youth. He wanted to be a new man, but now he missed his old collection.

He decided to go down to the backyard, sitting in the same blue chair. He lit a cigarette and when he turned on the phone, he saw that it was 3:11AM. The number reminded him of the day Brian and Nigel had met. November 3rd.

He remembered again all the smiles exchanged, when none of them had a past that made them think twice, before embarking on that love. It was beautiful to be loved by Eliot, without any second thoughts. They would not have that now but he knew it would still be worth it.

A smart person said once that a drunk one should not pick up a phone. He had not taken alcohol, but he is intoxicated by Eliot's vision, after almost 6 months of abstinence. Without thinking twice, he typed a message.

'Hey.' He immediately regretted it and was about to erase the message when he saw the dots on his screen, indicating that Eliot was typing.

'Q? It's really you?'

'Yeah, I…sorry it's late.'

'Don’t worry. I could not sleep.'

'Trouble sleeping?'

'No. I just can't stop thinking about you.'

Quentin took his time before typing again. He hadn't expected such a blunt answer.

'I think it's my turn to say that I was also thinking about you.'

'Only if it's true.'

'Yeah. I mean, it's true.'

'I'm glad we are talking. I thought you were going to keep me waiting longer.'

'I was going to make you wait.’
‘I changed my mind because, hum, I want to know everything.’
‘I want to hear all you have to tell me.'

‘I would prefer to do this in person, but we'll talk in whatever way is best for you.'

'You're right. It will be better to be face to face.'

'What do you suggest?'

'Tomorrow, we can go somewhere, take a walk. Want to join me?'

'Sure. Where do you want to go?'

'Could it be in Central Park? We can meet at Bow Bridge.'

'I will be there. What time?'

'Since we haven't even slept yet, how about 2PM?'

'Can we have brunch together?'

'Ok, hum, no problem. See you tomorrow Eliot.'

'Sweet dreams Q.'

Q lay down soon after and finally fell asleep. He calmed down when he saw that Eliot still wants to talk. He had thought of somewhere more private, but Central Park would give him a sense of being in control. He is not ready to be all alone with him.

Eliot, on the other hand, went to the fancy 24-hour market nearby, and bought all he needs to make a picnic. He spent two more hours to prepare the food and put a spell on it to keep everything fresh. When he went to sleep, it was almost 8AM and he practically passed out. Waking up was hard, until his mind remembered he was going to meet Quentin.

He showered and dressed in a navy blue slack, a long-sleeved white shirt, no tie, and a navy vest. It was a beautiful sunny day. He sneaked out. He didn't want to share what was going to happen, even with his Bambi. He wanted to go with nothing more on his mind than Q.

Quentin woke up still tired but got up to shower. He decided to wear gray slacks with a dark green button-up shirt. He wanted to look good next to Eliot. He combed his wet hair and shaved. He is ready. He just told Ted he is going to take a walk and Ted didn’t said a thing. Q sometimes do it at Saturdays. He used a portal to New York, square two blocks from Ted's house, which he and Julia had built when he moved in with his father. He has another portal that would take him straight to the penthouse, but he doesn't want to go through there, not now.

He arrived at the bridge and Eliot is already there. Beautiful as always. The mere sight of that man make his heart racing into a frantic rhythm. Eliot is looking at him with so much affection; so much love…it made Quentin blush. As he approached, he can see that Eliot has a picnic basket and he smiles.

"Hi Eliot. Didn't know we are having a picnic."

"I think it's appropriate for Central Park. I saw a more private place there, where we can talk in peace."

Quentin smiled and started to walk beside him in the direction he pointed. There was a spot below a leafy elm tree. Eliot put a spell to mask their presence and another to muffle the sound. Only then, did he stretch out a navy blue and white picnic blanket, and with a snap of his fingers deposited the food and wine glasses between them. They both sat, still in silence. Eliot poured two glasses of white wine and passed one to Quentin.

"Q, I hope you like what I prepared especially for you. First, I'd like to make a toast. Thanks for agreeing to see me. I am here to answer any questions. I won't shy away from even the most difficult ones. Cheers." He then raised the glass and Q toasted, but still in silence. Taking the wrapper off a plate, he offered mini sandwiches, and Quentin accepted one.

"It's my favorite chicken sandwich, and it is delicious, El. You remembered."

"I never forgot."

Quentin blushed again and thought he wouldn't waste time counting how many times he would blush this afternoon. They also have a quiche Lorraine that is perfect. As they ate, they talked about Filory and Q’s shop. After a rather tense silence, Quentin decided it was time to bring up what is important, but Eliot's phone rang before he could open his mouth.

"I'm sorry Q, but it's Margo. If I don't answer, she might track me down and show up here."

"OK."

"Hi Bambi. Sorry but I wanted to take a walk." He listened to her and then repeated what she said so Quentin would know what she said. "You want to go back to Filory on Monday, and you want to make some dinner. Of course, I will help you. What I think about you inviting Quentin?" Before answering, he glared at the man beside him. There was a lot of love in that look. "When in my life am I not going to want to see him?" Quentin flushed violently and Eliot felt his own face grow hot as well. "Yeah, call him later. I bet he's not that mad at you anymore. Bye Bambi." Without looking away for a moment, Eliot turned off the phone, and put it on top of the blanket.

They stared at each other for a moment, and Eliot slowly placed his hand over Quentin's. It was a gentle touch and not lingering, but Q didn't withdraw his hand, didn't reject the contact. Eliot wanted to kiss him so badly it almost hurt. After squeezing Q's hand slowly, he withdrew his, smiled and picked up his glass to take another sip of wine.

It was so much for Quentin. All he can do is hold himself down, to not move forward and kiss Eliot. He took a deep breath and decided to talk. "Hum, El, do you believe I love you?"

"You started with the hardest question." He gave a soft laugh, knowing that it is probably the most important answer he would give this afternoon. "I never loved anyone before. I always thought it was impossible to love someone. When you walked through those bushes, stumbling and looking lost, I knew you would be the end of me." Eliot took another sip of wine and continued. "I wanted you, but the thought that I could try and fail gave me an anguish I couldn't explain."

"El..."

"Q, darling, please, let me answer you properly, as you deserve."

Quentin nodded.

"Do you know why I dated so many boys at Brakebills? Because I had no fear. If one of them said no, I would move on to the next new boy. It was just for the fun. I was making up for all the boys I couldn't have in that homophobic town." He changed position on the blanket to face Q. "You were different. I could have been charming, but my fear always won out. If you reject me, I wouldn’t know what to do. My cowardice made me retreat, making up every excuse to convince me that you would never look at me with romantic interest. I was locked into our friendship and you found Alice. It was as if all my demons said, ‘he will never love you.’ I took that to be an absolute truth."

"El, please." Quentin said sweetly and softly.

"In the mosaic I kept my posture, believed you had no choice, and never tried anything. We got together because of you. You gave me the first kiss.” Eliot's features showed a sudden sadness. He cleared his throat. “When we remembered, I clung to the theory that you stayed with me due to lack of choice."

Eliot once more moved and take one of Quentin's hand in both of his so carefully like he is touching the most fragile and valuable thing in the world.

"After Nigel and Brian I had no more excuses. We didn't remember our previous lives; we had no trauma holding us back. Brian loved Niguel. You loved me. All my beliefs were overturned as quickly as I remembered of our love and it scared me like hell."

He raised the hand of the man he loved to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it before finishing.

"Yes Q, I do believe now. Just for the record, I love you too sweetheart. I am in love with you."

Eliot held his hand for a moment until he feared he was pushing hard Q’s boundaries. He let go of Quentin's hand, placing it gently on the blanket.

With the intention of relaxing the mood, he decided to feed Quentin, one more slice of the delicious quiche, chocolate covered strawberries and more wine. Eliot was treating him how he deserves to be treated. They were eating in silence, but they are comfortable with each other for the first time since Boston.

They even lay down and looked at the sky before looking deeply into each other's eyes. Eliot thanked the Gods for being there with the most important man in his life. He might not deserve Quentin, but he want to and will do whatever he can to be with him, one more time.

When they finished eating, they picked it all up and Quentin looked awkward.

"I think it's time to go. Thanks for the picnic. It was amazing."

"You deserve only the best."

"Eliot..."

"I know. I'll give you time, don't worry. It is up to you. If you allow me, I'll accompany you to your portal."

They walked in silence to the New Jersey’s portal. Eliot wanted to touch Quentin once more, but controlled himself; he could not screw it up. He went to the penthouse just as Q went through the portal.

He was walking back when he realized it was as good as it could be. Q didn't reject him; he listened and didn't withdraw his hand when he touched him. It was a start, definitely a start. He didn't even notice he was smiling when he stepped out of the elevator to find Kady.

"Eliot! Margo was about to do a location spell to find you. Get ready to suffer at her hands. I'd love to watch it, but I have a problem to solve. Good luck!"

He walked in and found Margo and Josh putting on their coats to leave.

"You! You fucking bastard! You left me all afternoon without an explanation, and you turned off the phone! Now you walk in here with this terrible goofy smile on your face?" She put her hands on her hips and scream. "Julia! Come here now bitch!"

"What's all this fuss about? Do you want to make my life hell? You're succeeding." Complained an irritated 23 who was coming down the stairs with Julia.

"Margo, please, no scream." It was Julia's turn to complain.

"Julia you will love to know why Quentin wasn't answering you. He was with Eliot."

"Bambi! Where did you get that?"

"You have a picnic basket concealed in that bag. My fairy eye doesn't fool me. That goofy smile on your face? Just Quentin to make you smile like that."

"Are you together? Q will pay for not telling me!"

"I'm going to castrate these two imbeciles!"

"Stop this insanity. Yes, I was with Q, but we're not together. He wanted to talk and it wasn't with you guys fucking around that we would do that."

"Too much drama for me." 23 said throwing himself on the couch.

"No drama, not at all. We are talking. I want to do the right thing, no rush. I love him."

"Okay lover boy. We'll leave you alone. We won't interfere but if you hurt Quentin it will be up to both of us."

"Can’t agree more. Don't lie to Margo and me anymore."

"OK."

"Now spit! I want to know every detail of that encounter."

----------------------------------------

Quentin got home and heard a noise in the kitchen where Ted was making tea.

"Son, I'm glad you're back. We need to talk."

"Okay Dad. I meet Eliot but we're just talking." Quentin slumped back in the chair, dropping his head into his arms on the table.

"Curly Q, I know you went to see Eliot but that's not what we need to talk about. Unless that's what you want." Ted poured them both tea and sat down. He took his time pouring honey into his black mug. He pushed the honey pot. His son could help himself. Quentin accepted and took the dark green mug his father handed him, spooning a generous dollop of the golden sweetener. He took a sip and realized it was strawberry tea, which made him think of Eliot again.

"Um, what do you want to talk about Dad?"

"About Maryl."

"I hope everything is fine between you."

"Yes, it is. It's nothing like that."

"Did something happen to her or Vivian?"

"No. Vivian is fine. It was nothing." Ted gave a dull smile and decided to tell the young man everything. "She came here right after you left, and for the first time she got into the garage."

"OK..."

"She saw the plane you fixed when you told me you're a magician."

"I don't understand. What harm could that do?"

"She was quiet for a while, but a few moments later she asked me if I had won that plane. I told her it was an old model that you had broken as a child, and fixed it not long ago." Ted took a deep breath and an idea finally pulled Quentin's mind from his afternoon with Eliot, and made him focus on what Ted was trying to say.

"Did you say how I fixed it?"

"No. She asked me if I believe in magic."

"Fuck."

"Don't worry. She told me she went to Brakebills, the same school as you."

"Maryl is a magician? How did I not notice?"

"She told me that she felt an energy around you at dinner, but since you didn't see each other again she couldn't be sure. Seeing the plane she can feel the magic that made it whole again."

Quentin was stunned. Only Ted to find a magical girlfriend.

"She wants to talk to me?"

"Yes. She went to Brakebills a few weeks ago and heard about some young magicians who brought magic back. I didn't say it was you and your friends, but she seems to be close with one of the teachers and eventually she'll know. She'll hear your name."

"I hope Maryl is friends with some decent people in Brakebills."

"She wants to arrange a lunch tomorrow. Talk to you. She would come alone. Vivian will be visiting her father's family and she doesn't know her mother's skills yet."

"I don’t mind, but I think Margo and Josh are going back to Filory, and she wants to offer a lunch tomorrow."

"Your friends could come over for the day. I'd love to meet Eliot, now that you're talking."

"We are still trying to work our things out. I am in no rush. I want to be sure of his feelings and mine."

"Anyway, I want to meet my son-in-law."

"Dad, I just said we're not together. He's not your son-in-law."

"Yet."

Exasperated Quentin threw his head into his hands as Ted laughed. Of course, right at that moment, his phone rang. Q gave up and grumbling answered the phone.

"Hello!"

"I already told you to stop being a brat. Speak properly to your favorite High King."

"Margo, don't bother me. What does your highness want?"

"Better that way." She laughed. "I want to see you again dickhead. I am going to Filory in two days. Shall we have lunch or dinner tomorrow?"

"Lunch or dinner?"

"Talk to her Curly Q." Ted was insisting.

Quentin groaned but complied with his father's request.

"My father wants to meet you, all of you. He asked if you want have lunch here."

"I'd love to meet Ted. I have only heard great things about him. Let us do this; we'll take the main course and dessert. Ted makes some appetizers."

"Just so you know his girlfriend will be here. She went to Brakebills too."

"Little Q you now have a new mother who is a magician?" Quentin heard voices in the background but Margo ignored them and continued. "Who is she?"

"Dad what's her last name?" Quentin never asked.

"Clark."

"Margo, her name is Maryl Clark."

"Are you fucking with me?"

"No, why?"

"She was my third choice. That week, when we want to find a mentor, Alice's aunt was my first choice, but she was at my list. Do you know what she does?"

"Not a clue."

"She owns an event company. It seems that she can capture what people want. The events she produces are huge successes. How did she meet Ted?"

"She also had cancer."

"I'm really sorry. Baby Q, you have great connections. It's going to be nice to meet Maryl. We will arrive around 12AM. Let Ted know we'll be staying all day." She was about to hang up when she remembered. "We'll bring drinks too. See you tomorrow!" She hung up and Quentin held the phone to his ear for a few seconds.

"Guess what? Margo knows Maryl. They'll come and get almost everything. We just need to make some appetizers."

"It's going to be a great day Curly Q. I am calling Maryl." Ted got up and left towards the living room.

Quentin groaned and slipped in his chair before speaking weakly to himself; "How am I going to survive?"