Arabella’s eyes dropped to the floor. She bit her lip, and leaned reassuringly into Asher’s side. She didn’t comment on Peri. It wasn’t her place to do so.
When the woman introduced herself, Arabella smiled softly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Williams.”
"I told you to call me Delila." The older woman replied. "Mrs Williams makes me feel old." She laughed, and led them into a comfortable, cozy little living room, sitting down on a recliner.
Asher chuckled softly, and sat down on the couch. The room was beautifully decorated, though it was a bit of a strange mishmash of old things and new things. A smartphone sat directly beside an ancient typewriter, an old dial-up phone hanging on the wall. A TV was mounted on the wall, speakers nestled behind various knickknacks and items.
“Ah, Sorry Delila.” She apologized promptly, looking a little sheepish. She followed just behind Asher, taking in everything.
She sat next to her husband and placed her hands in her lap, amazed at the clash of old and new.
Delila chuckled softly. "Oh, don't worry about it. Took your young man here nearly 6 months to stop calling me Mrs Williams, proper young man that he is." she said with a smile.
Asher sighed, laughing. "Yes, that's true."
“He is a proper young man, isn’t he?” She laughed softly and smiled up at him. “But he’s sweet.” She glanced around once again. “I love your house, it’s gorgeous.”
Delila smiled delightedly. "Oh, thank you. I can give you a tour later, if you like." she gestured to the coffee table, on which was a container with a selection of chocolates. "You can have any of those you like." she added.
“Oh! That would be lovely!” She smiled happily and looked up at Asher, taking his hand gently. When she was offered the chocolate she shook her head. “I’m alright, but thank you.”
Asher took a chocolate, squeezing her hand gently. "Well, I'm having chocolate." he smiled.
She laughed softly and kissed his cheek. “Okay. You can have some.” She replied softly, smiling at him.
Asher chuckled. "I wasn't asking for permission, but okay." He smiled, popping the chocolate in his mouth.
Delila laughed softly. "So, what brings you two here?"
“Oh I know.” She purred in reply, smiling happily and watching him with a soft expression. Her eyes turned back to the older woman.
“We wanted to come and visit. I haven’t met you yet.”
Asher smiled at her, then looked at Delila. "I told her about you. She wanted to visit."
Delila nodded. "Oh, I see." She smiled. "It's nice to meet you, miss Arabella."
She smiled happily and laughed softly. “You can just call me Arabella, Delila” she hummed, laughing a little at the title.
Delila smiled. "Alright. I will." She chuckled softly. "So. Why are you here?" She asked.
“I wanted to get to know you. I live right next to you and it would be nice to have a friend who lives so close.” Arabella hummed gently. “Do you live alone?”
Delila nodded. "Oh. And yes, for the most part. My dog is around here somewhere." She cast a glance around the room, then shrugged. "Somewhere in the house." She chuckled softly.
“Oh! You have a dog!?” She asked happily, glancing at Asher with bright eyes. “I’ve always wanted a dog.”
Delila nodded. "I do indeed. Lazy little ass that he is." She replied with a laugh.
Asher raised his eyebrows. "Is that a hint, miss Arabella?"
(Gtg to bed now, good night!)
Her eyes lit up happily. “Oh! I’m sure he’s lovely!”
Arabella gently nudged him. “Yes it is. And call me Arabella, Mr. Asher.” She teased back.
(Good night!)
Delila snorted. "He's a lazy little ass, but lovely works." She replied with a laugh.
Asher winked. "Hm. Fine."
Arabella giggled lightly, leaning into Asher and tilting her head. “What type of dog is he? Do you know?”
Delila shrugged. "Mutt. I got him from the shelter about three or four years ago." She replied. "Jake!" She called. A little dog came walking into the room a few minutes later. He had one ear up, one ear down, and a wagging tail. His coat was mottled brown and white, and he jumped up onto Delila's lap.
Asher grinned. "And there he is."
Arabella gasped at the sight of the dog and beamed. “Oh! He’s cute!” She cried out, looking up at Asher.
Asher chuckled softly, and nodded. "Mhm." He agreed.
Delila laughed softly, petting the little dog. "Cute, yes. But lazy." She replied fondly.
“Lazy dogs are fun, though! You can laze around with them all day and paint away.” She grinned at the thought.