Richard and OPEN (around 5pm)
Rich had made an early day at the office, and escaped in plenty of time to head to Lucy's party. He'd slung a canvas messenger bag that held his swimsuit and towel over one shoulder, and visited a muggle shop on his way to the Mews.
Softly whistling snatches of an old French song one of his mother's brothers had taught him he made his way into the glass-enclosed pool area, a half-dozen helium-filled balloon animals in tow. It was a sort of a children's party sort of thing to bring, but he hoped Lucy would find them amusing. And in a small, tissue-wrapped box, he'd also brought a little something he'd picked up in Athens that was a more grown up birthday present. The simple elegance had caught his eye and he hoped Lucy would like it.
Setting box and card on the gifts table he smiled as he walked further into the room to see who was there, and who looked like they needed a balloon animal.