"Mr. Uluke said there's a new shop going in next to theirs. A bookseller of some kind," Javier said. 

"That's nice." The numbers were their usual ebb and flow on the holo. Though some of the income had dropped off since I'd stopped participating in floor demonstrations and shows. Javier had tried a few times to cheer me up since Francesca left, but I wasn't ready for that. 

The mention of the bookseller was his latest effort. He knew how much I loved to read, though even that seemed uninteresting these days.

"You should give it a try. Maybe you'll find something that interests you. Help you out of your funk."

"I like my funk, Javier. So let me be in my funk."

He came over and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "If it was anyone else, I'd say take all the time you need. Unfortunately, mistress, your distress is catching. We know you miss her." He kissed my forehead, and I barely kept from crying for the second or third time that day. 

It had been several weeks since Francesca left, and I still felt raw. There was no message or communication to say she was home safe. Of course, I didn't reach out either. I didn't want to presume. I had already assumed too much. 

Her face said everything when I confessed my feelings. She hadn't reacted nor said anything. I'd been silly to think that there was maybe some small amount of something between us. 

Javier was right, my mood was affecting everyone, and when your club was entirely based on the tone and mood you set, it did not make for good business. "Maybe I should take a vacation. I haven't done that in a while."

"You know we could manage without you for a short time, Ms. Eilidh. Your staff is well trained. Maybe you could hire on some guest tutors or instructors in your absence."

That was not a bad idea. "I'll consider it. For now, I think I'll leave this evening in your capable hands. Please call me if you require anything." I shut down the holo and gathered my things as Javier nodded. 

I had intended to walk immediately to my bungalow. I did not plan on taking a detour into the shopping area, but my feet had carried me in that direction. Maybe it was the promise of the new bookseller that led me there. I wouldn't ever be sure. When I reached the shop, the sign above the door said "Rare Temptations," but when I looked inside, what I saw made me hold my breath. 

Three people moved inside, arranging books and laughing with each other. One of them was Francesca. I didn't realize I was inside the store until Freddie looked at me. 

"Damn," she said with such emphatic meaning that it almost made me cry. But I held it in. She didn't want me here. Why else wouldn't she have said something? 

I turned to go, and she called out. "Wait, please." I was outside the shop before she caught me by the arm and stopped me. 

"I didn't mean to intrude. Javier mentioned a new shop, and before I realized it, I found myself wandering in this direction…I apologize…"

"What for?" Freddie's face was full of concern and worry. I wasn't sure what to do with that. "Lee, it was supposed to be a surprise." She smiled. "I wanted to speak with you first. I know I made a mistake when I left. It took me time to see that, and I'm sorry I hurt you." She reached up and wiped the tears I hadn't noticed from my face. 

"I don't understand." I didn't, or rather, I wanted to, but also didn't want to hope for anything. It was too much after she left the first time.

"I was too literal." She sighed. "I didn't think my feelings were real since we were not mates. I didn't want to lead you on if only to end up breaking both our hearts when I did find my mate."

"I suppose I understand that. But why come back?" Because that was the real question. Why be anywhere close to me if she was so determined to find her mate.

"Daddy told me about how he met Da. It was at a funeral for someone he cared about very much, if you can believe that."

It was undoubtedly odd circumstances, but it did make me laugh a little, which was her goal, damn her eyes. I wanted to run, and I wanted to kiss her at the same time. 

"He explained to me that no matter how long one lives, life is still fleeting. We can't wait around for the right moment or the right individual. Sometimes you have to be open to other possibilities."

"So, based on that, what have you concluded?" I was on an emotional knife's edge. I wanted to cry or scream. It hurt. Most of all, I didn't want to hurt any longer. 

"I love you. I want to be with you for as long as you'll have me, for as long as we'll have each other. I don't want to wait in a library and hope someone will show up. I want to share mornings with you and be your confidant. I want to sleep with you and next to you and share my magic with you. I want a life with you, whatever that may be, for as long as it may be."

I wiped my face with the hand that she wasn't holding and burst into tears. "How in the world could I possibly say no to that?" She blinked as if the possibility of me uttering the word 'no' had not crossed her mind.

"I planned to make this more of a grand gesture, but maybe this is better." She tried to catch my gaze with hers, and eventually, I let her see my puffy face and red eyes. "I created a business plan with my parent's help. My whole family donated books to help me start. Some of them are even signed first editions. I wanted to show you the shop when it was ready. To see if you wanted to start again."

"What if I said no?"

She nodded. "I'd have to stay here for a year since the lease is that long. But then I would have worked twice as hard as before to persuade you that we belong together."

"Well," I inhaled and took a final swipe at my face. "I look forward to many days and nights of your persuasion."

Freddie frowned. "But I…. I don't understand."

I smiled and shook my head, "Freddie, kiss me already." 

"Oh! I see." 

That kiss was our starting point. Everything that came before it, a prologue. Freddie's touch was akin to a home I had missed. Maybe her mate would show themselves in time. No matter when that was or what would happen, our time was right now, and I wouldn't let that go quietly. 

When we finally came up for air, we held each other tightly, afraid to let go of the other for whatever reasons. 

"Would you like to meet my parents?" she whispered in my ear. I nodded. 

"It would be an honor, my love." 

Freddie grinned and led me into her book store.