Don’t let her get away so easy

I ignored her attempt to change the subject and offered her one of the cups. “After all, today is the third anniversary of the time you’ve been coming here,” I smiled hugely, “and the thirty-sixth time that you’ve properly selected the two best blades.”

She hadn’t, of course, ever, but all my blades were of high quality steel, and no one in the order had ever complained about the blades I had provided.

Lilly hesitated and I pushed, gently, drawing on our long relationship and Lilly’s own desire to please and not be rude. I didn’t move and in the awkward silence, Lilly nodded politely and took the cup. “I suppose you’re right, it is a special day.”

I wasn’t surprised when she took the drink and only sipped one little bit, to be polite. I raised my glass in a toast, “to your future initiation, sometime soon I hope,” I said.

She nodded and took another small sip.