âNo, 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. Thatâs why Iâll also be selling my booze in the cellar.â 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.Â
âMy alcoholic beverages were a big hit at Hogwarts, remember? Big hit on the streets here too. Canât disappoint my customers by obeying the rules now, can I?â 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 Sawyerâs mind to scramble, his brain was running to process the information but found itself stuck in some kind of mental mud. She fancied him? Sheâs single? This entire time he was convinced Zoe thought that night was a mistake - that he was the only one with hidden feelings. They hadnât 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. âYou fancied me and never told me?â He couldnât help himself. It was the only question he felt worth asking. Sawyer smiles and raises his eyebrows at Zoe. âHow curious, weâre both single then. Iâm afraid there are no girls running sprints for the fortune of my company at the moment. You, on the otherhand, wouldnât have to break a sweat.â
He chuckles, thinking of how uninterested heâd 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.Â
âThat is a smart business plan because the longer you stay the more you want to buy things that you were unsure about,â 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 wasnât too keen on the hushed tones regarding the alcohol.
âYes they were always well loved and meant we had the best stocked house parties,â she laughed, turning her pockets back inside her coat. âQuickly made us the most popular house, everyone wanted an invite to a Ravenclaw party!âÂ
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 couldnât 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 wasnât 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. âI didnât think you would appreciate it considering you had quite a few beautiful girls hanging around you anyway,â 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. âThat is lucky then isnât it.â