𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣-Hector Escaton

𝙞.

𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣

𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧: 𝙞.

The train was buzzing with activity. Eudora Keene, however, was silent. An untouched flute of champagne sat in front of her. She had tried to refuse, but the hostess just wouldn't have it. Eudora had been considering pulling out her ID when the woman set the drink down and left without a word. She was pretty sure her father would laugh if she told him that. Though, she was also pretty sure Delos wouldn't be too happy knowing that a hostess was encouraging underage drinking. At least she would know his opinion soon enough, when he showed up for the gala at the end of the week.

She watched the bubbles float up to the top and let out a soft breath.

Behind her, she heard a voice.

"Is this your first time coming to the park?"

She jolted slightly, turning to face the figure standing beside her seat, eyebrows furrowing with recognition. She'd seen this man before, at Delos parties. Her father had introduced them. "Hello," she greeted. "Yes, this is my first time. Your name is William, isn't it?"

He smiled slightly, nodding. "Yes. You're Eudora Keene, correct?"

"I am, indeed." She reached out to shake hands, offering a weak smile. "How'd you know it's my first time?"

"I've been coming here for over three decades," he answered. "Once you've been that many times, you can tell when there's a newcomer in your midst." He waved a hand to the champagne. "You don't drink?"

"I'm nineteen," she said with a faint chuckle. "Though I get the feeling there's not going to be much water to drink in the park. At least, not if it's entirely historically accurate."

"We do have to cater to children a bit, you know," he said, smiling. "I'm sure you'll figure something out."

"I am not a child," she said. "And just for that...", she reached for the champagne, downing it in one. "There. See?"

William chuckled one more time. "I'm sure you'll do just fine here, Ms. Keene. I hope you enjoy yourself."

He turned away as she answered, "You too."

She didn't see the smirk creep onto his face.

"Oh, believe me, I always do."

Eudora watched him leave. She had seen him around at Delos events since she was a little girl. She could remember his daughter, Emily, sitting with her at events and telling her that she understood what Eudora was feeling, that she had been in the same position.