“Leaving so soon, farmer boy?" She came up to him and plucked a shirt off his arm. “Plaid. How appropriate. Off you go! Go back to your farm while you still have one."

Daniel looked at the pleasure she held in her eyes, ridiculing him, and he bit his tongue when he saw Bill shaking his head. He grabbed his shirt back, turned, and moved toward the door.

"I would Love to see you try to get in the town restaurant wearing those! Mommy and I will be there this evening and we better not see you!"

Daniel froze for a moment and then continued.

Bill coughed. "What's that, hon? You and mother going out to dinner again?"

"Yes, daddy. Of course. We go every Friday night. You know that."

Daniel left the shop and smiled. Tonight, I will charm that bitch.

That night, Daniel returned to the town. He wore some of the clothes Eric had owned. He suspected they were slumming clothes for Eric, but for him they were very fine. And they fit more or less. He had bathed and soaped and even put on a Little cologne he had found in the magic bag. He strode into town and ignored the stares from the town's folk.

He had checked which time the restaurant opened, and he was early.

He wanted to be inside when Amy arrived. He couldn't wait to see the expression on her face. He waited outside and when the front door unlocked; he went inside.

The man just inside the door turned when he entered. He looked confused and looked Daniel up and down. After passing some test, the man spoke. "Yes, sir. Can I help you?"

"Yes, I would like a table, please.”

"Ah, we've only just opened. Guests normally don't arrive for another hour. Can I suggest you return then?"

Daniel felt heat rise to his cheeks. "Oh, um. Sure, sorry. I saw you open the door and thought you were open."

"Yes, sir. We are open. We just don't receive guests for another hour. It takes time to start the prep in the kitchen and have our meals prepared just right. Can I suggest the tavern across the street?"

Daniel got the hint and was about to retreat. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin. “How about you seat me, pour me a cold glass of your finest ale, and let me sit here for an hour until you are ready?"

The man stared at the coin in some surprise. An expression crossed his face that Daniel couldn't read, and the man removed the coin with skill and pocketed it. "Of course, sir. My apologies. Follow me, please."

Daniel followed the man until he led him into a secluded area of the restaurant. He had a window overlooking the street outside and the approach to the restaurant. He knew the man was putting him in the back intentionally, but this seat served him well. The man pulled the seat out and held it for Daniel.

Daniel sat and looked up at the man. "This is perfect."

The man nodded and started to walk away.

“One moment. I am expecting two other people this evening. Mrs Eva and her daughter, Amy. When they arrive, please give them an expensive bottle of wine. When they ask from who, please tell Amy it is from Daniel Davies."

The man paused and raised an eyebrow at Daniel.

"Oh, sorry. One second." Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out four silver coins and pressed them into the man's hand.

The man smiled with what appeared to be a genuine smile. "Of course, sir. Amy, you say?"