The aromatics of freshly ground coffee and sugary sweet confections rushed in to greet Béatrix’ nose as she walked into the café. A cursory glance around the room confirmed that she had beat Solenne there, so she sat herself at a table for two against the street-facing window. Trixy tried her best to tune out the thoughts of those around her, most of which were poisonous at best. Intsead, she focused on the nervous butterflies in her stomach at seeing her old friend and once lover for the first time in almost a century. Gosh, had it been that long? It must have been, her last memories with him were in a speak-easy in New Orleans, year 1928. He had worn a suit with an adorable red bow-tie and she a white knee-length bedazzled dress and a feathery headband.

Just on cue, Solenne pulled her from her trip down memory lane by walking through the doors. He looked like a hipster, but never-the-less handsome and charming. [i] “Good morning, Béatrix”[/i] he greeted her politely. Trixy stood up with a beaming smile and kissed both sides of his cheeks, the normal greeting in her country of origin. “Bonjour, SoSo.” She gushed before they both took their seats. It was then that Trixy noticed his uncharacteristic awkwardness. When you make a living studying people (and maybe killing them), you tend to get very adept at reading body language. His crimson eyes darted over to the counter, then towards the kitchen, and then a look of nausea marred his features. “Well, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.” Trixy chuckled a little to lighten the mood before asking: “What on earth has you so worried to be seen with me? I can confirm that most men in this room would kill to be in your seat, some of the women as well.” Ahh, Trixy, humility had never been her strongest suit. 

A bubbly waitress came over to take their order. Vampires couldn’t really keep solid food down, but they could drink most liquids without any trouble, and often enjoyed doing so. “Espresso, please.” Trixy ordered, her heavy accent made the words sound like a sensual hiss. The waitress nodded and glanced to Solenne, waiting for his response.