By Day and by Night

Chapter 3- Hotel Lancaster

The next problem didn't arise until Friday night.

Adelae arrived home early from work to prepare for a night out with Varrin and his family, to celebrate his sister's birthday. With a curling iron in hand and her newest red dress hanging on the back of the bathroom door, Adelae plunged herself into her task. Over the years, she'd developed a simple and effective look that made her appear elegant to keep up her social status, yet ensured a preparedness for any possibility. Most of the time, the under armor she wore to protect herself wasn't necessary as attacks in public places were uncommon, but due to the recent attempt on Varrin's life, prepared she would be. Her simple, waterproof makeup and secure updo completed the feel. The red dress hugged her curves down to mid-thigh, concealing the knife she kept sheathed beneath. Due to the inability to avoid wearing high-heels to an outing like this, she'd modified several pairs to be sturdier, and she had plenty of experience running, and even once fighting in a pair. The sharpened stiletto heel had come in handy that day.

They arrived at the restaurant early to be sure their table had been properly reserved, exiting the chauffeured car together.

"Newman, party of seven." Varrin confirmed with the host at the front desk.

The man's eyes glided over the list before him. Adelae couldn't help but note how easily she read his expression, the nervous ticks that gave away more than he meant to. He glanced at the couple twice before waving over another employee. They whispered together for a moment and Adelae heard one of them say "I know you're new to this, but you can't just freeze up like that. Do you know who they are?" before the other man collected a stack of menus, and directed them to follow him. He led them out onto a crowded balcony covered with twinkling lights and men and women adorned in their nicest evening clothes.

"Seven, darling?" Adelae asked. "Is Sarah bringing a date?"

"Oh, yes, Sarah is bringing Ellie, that girl she met in college." He answered, pulling out a chair for her.

"Oh, lovely. Why haven't we heard much about her?" Adelae asked, taking her seat. The table had a simple grey covering with elegant cloth napkins and sparkling wine glasses in three sizes. A man in a similar uniform to the host at the door appeared with a bottle of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon for them to try.

Varrin gave her an exasperated look, taking his own seat and picking up his glass to swirl the contents. "Mom doesn't like to talk about it."

Adelae frowned. "I didn't think she was opposed to-"

Varrin sipped the wine before realizing the implications of his words. "Oh, no, it's not because she's a woman. It's because she's got tattoos covering her arms. I've seen some pictures of her with Sarah, and they're very tasteful, but Mom is a tad old-fashioned, as I know you've noticed." A movement behind Adelae caught his eyes as he spoke. "Ah, here they are." He rose respectfully from his seat to greet the rest of his family. Adelae rose beside him, smiling though her thoughts lingered on his words.

"Hello Nancy, Richard, it's good to see you!" Adelae greeted Varrin's parents with a polite and gentle kiss to their cheeks. Nancy's pursed lips stretched into a brief smile that didn't reach her eyes, which were lined with wrinkles from years of frowning, while Richard warmly clapped Adelae on the shoulder, taking her hand and kissing it with a twinkle in his eye. He took his seat beside his wife, across the table from Adelae and Varrin. Adelae smiled back, turning next to Varrin's sister, the guest of honor for the evening. "Hello, Sarah!" She pulled her sister-in-law into a brief embrace, "Happy birthday! And this must be Ellie?" She asked, shaking the girl's hand. "It's nice to meet you! Var's just been telling me, you two met at the Western District University?"