“No, just think it would be a good idea to have some reading material in the shop, a small bookshelf or two with a few comfortable chairs nearby. I want them to feel at home. That’s why I’ll also be selling my booze in the cellar.” Sawyer whispers and places a finger over his mouth. He really got a kick out of talking about his new shop, coming up with new ideas, and imagining the fun he was going to have running the place.
“My alcoholic beverages were a big hit at Hogwarts, remember? Big hit on the streets here too. Can’t disappoint my customers by obeying the rules now, can I?” He watches Ruse climb out of her bag with a pouch full of treasure and scurry away. Sawyer reminded himself to retrieve it for Zoe later.
The next few sentences out of her mouth caused Sawyer’s mind to scramble, his brain was running to process the information but found itself stuck in some kind of mental mud. She fancied him? She’s single? This entire time he was convinced Zoe thought that night was a mistake - that he was the only one with hidden feelings. They hadn’t had a real discussion after the fact. They laughed about how drunk they were and that was that. This was interesting news, indeed. Sawyer ashes out his cigarette and gulps down some champagne, giving himself a bit more time to respond. He needed to control this excitement, not appear too eager. “You fancied me and never told me?” He couldn’t help himself. It was the only question he felt worth asking. Sawyer smiles and raises his eyebrows at Zoe. “How curious, we’re both single then. I’m afraid there are no girls running sprints for the fortune of my company at the moment. You, on the otherhand, wouldn’t have to break a sweat.”
He chuckles, thinking of how uninterested he’d been in girls these past few months. This shop had been his only relationship. His entire energy was geared to making this work. Now that he was sitting in it with Zoe Ollivander, his focus was shifting.
“That is a smart business plan because the longer you stay the more you want to buy things that you were unsure about,” she smiles, impressed by his ideas. Zoe was glad to see that Sawyer was enthusiastic and forward planning as it meant he had higher chances of being successful. Although, she wasn’t too keen on the hushed tones regarding the alcohol.
“Yes they were always well loved and meant we had the best stocked house parties,” she laughed, turning her pockets back inside her coat. “Quickly made us the most popular house, everyone wanted an invite to a Ravenclaw party!”
Zoe sat looking at him, gently sipping her wine as he contemplated what she just said. Was he disgusted at the fact she fancied him or shocked. She couldn’t tell and she sat starring into his blank face. Panic started to settle in as she felt her stomach churn and her cheeks being to heat. It was becoming awkward now and she wasn’t sure whether she should be the next to speak or simply just wait for him to say something. When he asked his question, she took a gulp and looked down at the table. “I didn’t think you would appreciate it considering you had quite a few beautiful girls hanging around you anyway,” she muttered as she turned the mason jar round watching the champagne bubbles rise to the top. A smile etched onto her face as he stated he was single to and a sense of relief washed over her. “That is lucky then isn’t it.”