Choking On Sapphires

74 Tonight

Alfie had gotten you out of your rut that you'd put yourself in with your tendency to over think when it came to things you genuinely cared about. So instead of staying in and reading and studying on a Friday, he took you out to his club like it was your first date again.

The dancing girls were in full swing under the bright lights of the stage. The club was dim otherwise, a typical blanket of mystery applied on a busy night to make the patrons want to enjoy themselves. A gentle nudge of encouragement to think they were safer than they were. You were among them, hanging off of Alfie's arm as you made your way into the warm and loud space from the dreary cover of outside.

You had reasons to celebrate and he had made sure you were dripping in jewels and a new gown to not only show your importance to those that would see you together, but to yourself. You had heard whispers of Alfie spending time in the jewelry quarter as of late. You had admittedly gotten a plume of butterflies inside you at the mention of it, springing up thoughts of engagement and proposals. You couldn't help but think the large and sparkling jewels he'd gifted you earlier in the night might be a cover for such activities. He was a very clever man after all, he would know that you would hear he was spending time with the tradesmen. The thought of him hunched over a glass case, bickering with the best of the best in their profession over something for you added a certain twinkle to your eyes on this night when you looked at him. Even when he would grumble and curse as you yet again, kissed his cheek only to have to swipe away at the schmutz left behind. But then again, it never took much for you to look at him adoringly.

You're standing at the stairs that divide the levels of the club, watching the expressions travel across Alfie's face as he speaks about you, praising your talents to a woman who had seen you speak at a charity function. He was a salesman and he was the best you knew, talking you up so people couldn't help but be tempted to buy your works.

"But aren't artists known for being difficult to deal with?" a man's voice that you unfortunately recognized comes from out of sight as the woman you spoke to looks at the tall and daunting man with rapidly blinking eyes, not accustomed to such a rude interruption in part of society.

"Excuse us, Miss." Alfie says politely, a nod given to the woman as she gives the interruption a dirty look and walks away. "What are you doin' here?" Alfie groans, looking Cyrus Horne up and down as he stood with his hands latched to the lapels of his jacket.

"Heard you two love birds were out and about tonight and had to stop by. Not every day I get to speak to both of you at once, is it? Hard to talk to you two, you know."

"I'd prefer it be more difficult." you say with a sigh.

Giving you an amused tilt of his head he smirks down at you. "Even though I know you people don't work on Friday nights. Or at least you say you don't, we know you aren't exactly keeping it all level when it comes to your little foray into being pillars of your community and all that...I thought you might be willing to answer some questions for me."

"If it's business you could make an appointment." Alfie says obviously.

"And you wouldn't see me would you?" he says crossing his arms.

"What is it?" you say exasperated, just wanting him to leave.

"I wanted to check with how you two were doing. Together. I've heard some nasty rumors about you Solomons. Other women...in cities far from here while little Durand here plays homemaker. Never took you for liking blondes." he sneers.

Alfie's shoulder rise and fall but his face stays indifferent. A skill you wish came as naturally to you as it did for him. "If you are accusing me of infidelity I would be happy to say your accusations are false."