Lunch Date (Part 3)

"Now tell me a hobby you have that I never heard about before."

"Hmm, I don't get to do it often because I'm usually busy, but I do enjoy reading a good book from time to time."

"Oh ya? What kind of books to you like to read?"

"I usually like realistic fiction. I would classify them as mysteries or thrillers."

"Interesting, what do you like about them?"

"I enjoy trying to guess what is going to happen next. The author gives you all the bread crumbs throughout the story so you have a chance to predict the ending if you are paying enough attention."

"So that means you are going to be able to predict all of our enemies plans in the future?"

Becca scratched her cheek shyly, "actually, I'm very bad at guessing what's going to happen. I just like the process of trying to figure it out and being shocked by what actually happened."

I wiped a tear from my eye, "haha! I see I was giving you too much credit. Do you have a favorite author?"

Becca pouted, "geez, don't laugh at me too much! The whole point of those books is for it to have a big twist at the end!

I usually read books randomly, but there is one author that I like so much that I go into town and pick up their newest book whenever it comes out. Her pen name is Tanya Walker and her stories are really good because they are so realistic.

All of her characters feel so multilayered and you can tell that everything they do is exactly something a real life person would do in that situation."

"She sounds like a great writer. I would love to read some of her books and talk to you about them. We should go to the library one of these days and have a relaxing reading date.

In my old life, I loved to read fantasy stories about heroes using their magical powers to defeat the bad guys. Maybe I can find some books like that too in the library and we can read together. Is the newest Tanya Walker book coming out soon?"

"Sadly, I already looked but there are no fiction books in this mansions' library. There are only history and educational books. However, the newest Tanya Walker book actually comes out this weekend, so maybe we can go out to town and pick it up.

While we are at the bookstore, we can buy some others books that you and I might like and then we will have enough to have a reading date like you want."

"That does sound like fun, but that would be my first time being in public in this world. I am still a little worried about the culture shock that I am going to have…"

"Don't worry! We still have a couple more days before the weekend, so I can give you a crash course in culture and etiquette. Also, if we go out, I think it is best if we go disguised as commoners.

People will made a big deal if the Duke and Duchess are around and I just want to have a personal date around the market with you…I'll show you all the good spots in town."

I was ecstatic that Becca was asking me out on a date this time! However, I was still a little bit worried.

"That's sound like a lot of fun! Have you ever went out in a disguise before? Were you really not recognized by anyone?"

Becca waved her hand obviously not worried.

"You just have to wear a hood that obscures your face and no one will bother you. People will usually think that you are a mercenary and not want to bother you."

"Oh, ok. Then let's definitely go on that market date this weekend. I look forward to you being my guide."

Becca gave me a thumbs up and a cheeky smile.

"I'll make sure that you have a ton of fun!"

I rested my chin on my hand, "if I'm with you, I will always have a ton of fun."

"I feel the same way. In only a week's time, you have become the most important person to me."

Crap, she was able to turn my teasing against me and now I'm the one slightly blushing.

"Umm…I'm glad to hear that. Now that we have set a date, is there any other things that you enjoy besides the magic, music, and reading that you talked about so far?

I tried to change the subject as quickly as possible.

Luckily, Becca didn't give me a hard time.

"The one other thing that I thought of when I think about all the things I enjoy doing is that I like making embroidery.

I don't like going to tea parties with other noble woman because of all the gossip and etiquette that needs to be followed, but the one thing I would enjoy is that I could sit in a corner and work on some embroidery."

"I have actually heard of embroidery from the medieval fantasy stories that I used to read. What type of things do you like to make?"

"I usually make handkerchiefs with something interesting in the middle like my family seal or a dragon."

"Oh, that sounds cool. You should teach me when we have some time!"

Becca's eyes popped open, "you want to learn how to embroider?"

I was a little confused, "yes, why are you so surprised?"

"Well, embroidery is something that only women do. A man would be looked down on if they were seen doing embroidery."

I laughed once I understand what she was surprised about.

"I thought you knew me a little bit by now. I don't care about what is historically meant for men or historically meant for women. I think it could be fun, so I want to give it a try.

If I'm being honest, I don't think I will like it too much because I think it will be to meticulous for me. However, if it is one of your hobbies, then I want to try it out with you at least once."

Becca suddenly got up from her seat.

"I'm really sorry Nick! Of course I know that you are not the type of person to care about if an activity is meant for men or women. Generally, I just assumed that no man would ever ask to be taught embroidery."

I also stood up, "I understand Becca. Somethings are just hardwired in your brain. You will get used to my way of seeing the world eventually."

"Thanks for being understanding Nick. I will definitely teach you some embroidery someday."

"I'm looking forward to it. By the way, I noticed that we both finished our food. Do you want to continue our talk while walking through the garden over there?"

"That sounds nice."

I walked over to Becca, held her hand, and started heading to the garden in the distance.