Even darker | Loki

Chapter 2.

   Thor was not happy, not happy at all. The forecasted numbers were way below his expectations. He gestured to the waitress to get him another round of that fine German ale.

'You should slow down, brother. Try to stay sober until our dinner arrives. They actually have an excellent chef here.' Loki said in a deadpan voice.

'I shall drink until these numbers look a bit friendlier. Care to explain why we barely made our target this quarter? What exactly are you doing to move our plans forward?'

'Dear gods, you are depressing. Learn to live a little.'

Thor hit the table with his fist that made everyone around them jump except Loki who knew his brother's temper very well.

'Thread carefully, Ove. I have been patient enough.'

'And I have been working day and night to meet your precious targets.'

'That is one way to put it.' Thor scoffed and drank from his beer.

'Not sure what you mean, brother.'

Thor was about to tell Loki that he is fully aware of his excessive partying no matter how hard he tried to hide it when he saw a young man and a woman walk into the restaurant. The latter looked familiar and then he realized it was Loki's ex. He cursed his luck. He wasn't daft. He knew very well that his brother was acting this way to distract himself.

'Nevermind! You're right, we did meet all the targets even if by an inch. Well done! We should go out and celebrate!'

'That's why we are here. The food is excellent.' Loki said and drank from his martini.

'Nobody has come to take our orders yet which is poor service if you ask me. Let's find a place where they actually care about their customers.'

'They are quite busy, but you do have a point. Let me find a waitress.'

While Thor was going on about common courtesy, Loki looked around for someone to serve them. He immediately froze when he spotted Flóra with a blond guy who looked like someone from a fitness commercial: tanned, ripped and definitely younger than she was. They looked smitten with each other, deep glances, giggles and whispers. He tore his gaze away and caught the eye of a waiter.

'I'm sorry, Loki.' he heard Thor.

'About what?'

'You don't have to pretend. I spotted them before you.'

'We both moved on with our lives. I am absolutely fine. Save your sympathy for someone who needs it.'

'The expression on your face tells me otherwise. I can hear your teeth grinding.'

'Nonsense.' smiled Loki and leaned back in his seat, relaxing his jaw, just as the waiter arrived.

They ordered the food and Loki was suddenly all about work, explaining what each department brought to the table, what improvements he introduced to enhance the production line and the supply chains. Thor also noticed he switched from martinis to the same beer he was drinking which was never a good sign. He even made some jokes, making Thor laugh. After an hour, Loki excused himself to go to the restrooms.

'Not a good idea, brother.' Thor told him as he stood up.

'Am I not allowed to use the restrooms? Is this some new kind of punishment?' he jested.

'You know what I mean. Don't do it. Leave her be. How long has it been...six months? Let it go.'

'Again, I have no idea what you're talking about. You should slow down with those pints.'