“Yes, yes, it’s fine for you to take the night off.” Bryson told Lila as she helped fix up his tie, “Not much for you to do tonight anyways.” Bryson added.

“Thank you. Though the play does sound fun.” She said.

“I highly doubt it.” Bryson muttered. Bryson was currently dressed in a fine suit ready for a night in the theatre. Though his facial expression implied that it was anything but fine.

“What are you going be doing tonight?” Bryson asked, looking at Lila. While she wasn’t dressed in anything fancy, she did look like she was ready for a night out.

“Well…” She said as a knock was heard from the door.

Quickly, Lila ran over to the door and opened it. Waiting at the door was Nico Reese.

“Nico, you’re here! Already?” Lila said in surprise.

“Yeah, I was able to get off shift early and… oh hello Lord Bryson.” Nico said in surprise, apparently not expecting for him to still be here.

“Reese.” Bryson slowly greeted. He then looked between the two of them, “Wait… are you two… dating?”

“Uh… yes.” Lila admitted, twiddling with her hair, feeling sheepish. Nico gave a hapless shrug.

“Huh.” Bryson emoted, “Alright, I suppose. Anyways, you two can head off then.”

“You sure you don’t want me to escort you?” She asked.

“I’m just moving across the building.” He said dismissively.

“Then thank you and have fun Bryson.” Lila said as she and Nico happily left the room. Giving a wave goodbye, the door shut behind them.

Great, can’t wait to be miserable at the theatre now. Still looks like they’re happy. He thought as he prepared to head out himself.

***

Bryson sat along with Sable, Viola and Duchess Coldwater were seated at one of the upper boxes in the dimly lit theatre. Bryson breathed an inward sigh of disappointment as he munched on his popcorn. This is going to take all night, at least we had dinner first. Bryson moped through his popcorn.

He also didn’t see his father or Gilles anywhere. Gilles declined the offer for the play and was most likely using one of the simulation rooms for practice. Gilles always seemed obsessed with training. It only doubled so since the warehouse event. While Bryson’s father apparently had work he had to do. Even busy on his day off. Bryson thought, not envying being in his father’s position.

“Are you enjoying your popcorn dear?” Duchess Coldwater asked him kindly.

“Yes mother.” He replied trying to hide his annoyance with another mouthful of popcorn. Sure he had eaten dinner, but what’s a show without popcorn? Looking across the viewing box he saw Viola looking mildly interested as the introduction occurred. At least someone here is interested. Bryson thought.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Looking over to his other sister Sable, Bryson could see that she too lacked any interest for this play. Bryson silently offered some popcorn over to her, who simply ignored him. Leaning back on his seat in disappointment he waited for the show to start.

As the play began and the first scene started to unfold, Bryson watched with half interest. Drifting his eyes over to a viewing box from across the theatre, he couldn’t believe his eyes. It was the man who was surrounded by random women back at the buffet.

Once again he had a few women surrounding him as he enjoyed the show, sunglasses adorned. Great, he’s here too. Bryson said throwing more popcorn into his mouth.

He then proceeded to nearly choke on it as he glanced back at the stage. It was the man who dumped milkshake onto his head. He was currently on stage performing a song.

Noticing Bryson’s duress, Duchess Coldwater asked, “Are you alright dear?”

Clearing his throat of some of the popcorn he quickly shook his head, “No, no, I’m fine mother. Just had something in my throat.” Bryson assured.

“Alright then.” She said before turning her attention back on the stage. Sable gave a curious glance over to Bryson, but said nothing.

Bryson stared at the stage with great interest now as he concentrated on the two.

***

At the end of act one, there was a twenty-minute break and Bryson used this time to wander through the concession stands. Unfortunately for him, other people had the same idea and the place was filled with people from the audience.

Bryson rolled his eyes in boredom as he stood around, scanning around the room he found himself in. The man who liked to surround himself with women was walking into another hallway. Bryson quickly chased after him.

As he turned the corner, he bumped into Viola.

“Daeeh!” Bryson exclaimed as he smacked into her.

“Bryson! What are you doing here?” Viola asked looking surprised.

“Uh, just stretching my legs, what are you doing here?” Bryson answered trying to look around Viola and find the man.

“Same thing as you, stretching my legs. What are looking at?” She replied. Taking a step-in front of him, Bryson was forced to focus his attention at Viola.

“Uh, well-” He said before he was interrupted as the man who had bumped into Bryson earlier in the day once more bumped into him, though this time he made far less contact.

“Oh! Hey, it’s you!” The man said in happy surprise, “How are you doing kid?”

“Peachy.” Bryson replied gritting his teeth, “Nice performance.”

“Thank you, this was my very first live performance, it’s exhilarating.” He said seeming to not notice Bryson look of disdain, “Ah, where are my manners? I’m Ben Gallagher.” He said extending out a hand, he was still fully adorned in his outfit he had on stage.

“Bryson.” Bryson replied coldly ignoring his hand.

“Pleasure to meet you.” Ben said returning his hand and tried to walk past them, “Now if you would excuse me.” Viola however stood in his way.

“Uh, I need to get past miss.” He said kindly.

“Why? This way isn’t the way to the backstage area.” Viola said as Ben tried to circle around her, she made sure he couldn’t get past by continually blocking his way. Bryson simply stared at this in confusion.

“Well, I’m on break, now if you would excuse me miss.” Ben said patience being tried.

“Coldwater.”

“Uh, I beg your pardon?” Ben asked in confusion.

“Lady Viola Coldwater. That is my name.” She said slowly with a death glare from a duel coloured eyes.

“Coldwater… as in the Coldwater?” Ben asked hesitantly.

“What do you think? Now leave.” She said sticking her chin up high.

Bryson’s brow furrowed watching these two exchanged. Something was wrong, Viola shouldn’t be caring about this at all. Why was she stopping them from getting past her? Why is she acting just slightly off?

What’s going on? He wondered in bewilderment as his eyes widened in shock. Staring at Viola in confusion he suddenly noticed that she gave the same feeling that the women who the man surrounded himself with gave off.

Before Ben could say anything a voice from behind him called out, “Gallagher get over here! We’re starting in five!”

Ben Gallagher looked backwards, face with a grimace before giving a frustrated sigh and turned to leave. Viola stared at Ben’s back until he disappeared.

“Come Bryson, let us head back to mother.” Viola said quickly looking over to Bryson.

“Actually sister, I would like to- woah!” Bryson exclaimed as Viola began to literally drag him back to the theatre by the arm. As he looked back to hall where the man disappeared, he groaned inwardly in frustration. Give me a break.