extract from book 2 of 6
SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd
Chapter 40
Tension and Harmony
This is the same table that NutJob and KristalClear had used on their first ever romantic dinner date. From these seats they have a clear view of everything in the restaurant, although HayWire and Conning are sitting with their backs to the entrance.
“Dash, move round some more,” says KristalClear, “sit there, let Conning and HayWire sit next to me so that we can all see the whole place as if we’re actually sitting at one end of the top table.”
KristalClear is now seated in the right place for the chief bridesmaid, Conning has the groom’s father seat, leaving HayWire in the correct position for the bride’s mother. That means that NutJob has been pushed around to the end of the table as if he were seated like the chairman of the board of directors, observing everyone else.
Colourful Impressionist style painting of an posh restaurant with predominantly grey granite stone work, outside there are small round tables with two seats each. Through the double doors and two windows a brightly lit interior shows tables prepared with white table cloths and wine glasses. Three windows on the first floor are lit, but the interior is obscure. Outside two carriage lanterns flank the front door. Colourful flowers are arranged in copper planters and two hanging baskets. The blackboard is headed Today's Specials with a little obfuscated text lower down. The rustic pavement consists of grey flagstones. Above the door in decorative raised stone. the name of Magnum Opus is written Roman style MAGNVM OPVS.
copyright © Scott Rochester 2026
extract from book 2 of 6 continued
Wanting to take full advantage of this opportunity to have HayWire display a little affection in a public place Conning says, “Peanut, shuffle up a bit closer” and she places her left hand on his right thigh, giving it the lightest of tugs.
Bashfully, he does as instructed, moving his chair just a few centimetres nearer to Conning. She pats his thigh lightly, happy that he’s made even this small adjustment in the direction of a more open show of intimacy. Her hand remains
A digital floorplan of a small cosy café and restaurant, featuring a principal room seating only 20 guests in a mix of tables arranged for 2 or 4. The double doors at the north open onto the Market Square. At the opposite end, the bar and kitchen abut the dining space, both with an open hatchery arrangement. Beyond that are the toilets and a small store room. A small single rear door is for staff only. Magnum Opus is the poshest restaurant in town, made by combining two old stone cottages together. The owners and their adult children live on the first floor. All four are really friendly, and their establishment is quite special.
copyright © Scott Rochester 2026
#WIPsnips 12 Mar 'shimmy'
"shuffle" today, not "shimmy"
KristalClear, NutJob, Conning & HayWire are in Magnum Opus (the posh restaurant) helping to plan a friend's wedding.
Trying to fit all the guests into a small space!
#scifi #SlenderWolf #writingCommunity #LoveStory #Lancaster #FineDining