These Heartbreak Times
By Arcelia

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Chapter 1 - New Beginnings

Morning light pierced through the main boulevard of Manehattan, bathing the entry of Grand Central Station in an ethereal glow. Just outside, Rarity stood, taking in the panoramic view with a sigh.

Two days ago it arrived. The letter, dressed in a simple envelope, managed to shatter her reality like fragments of crystal against the floor. Dreams of opening up the boutique in Manehattan would be all for naught if she did not manage to open the site in thirty days. Thirty days! To build a local stand perhaps, but a boutique in Fashion Central? How could she accomplish that? As such, Rarity made it her first priority to be in Manehattan as soon as possible. There was no time to lose — with only a month to get her flagship boutique off the ground she needed to start right away.

Despite the sun’s warmth, a chill persisted in the air. Since her last visit, Central Park had become a forest of dewy yellows and bright auburn. Fall hung in the air and covered the ground with a blanket of browning leaves across the sidewalk. By the first snow, none would remain unturned.

Rarity tightened her silk scarf and started down Fifth Avenue. Treading cautiously across the road, she immersed herself in the glittering shop displays that lined the street. Just a few blocks remaining now. Her boutique stood right next to Saks Fifth Avenue.

An icy draft sent shivers through her coat, entangling her in its frigid clutches. She stopped in her tracks. Tightening her scarf once more, her eyes wandered to the charming little building in front of her. She felt the cold air biting at her nose, but she couldn’t tear her gaze away. Her eyes eventually fell on the little wooden door that sat at the top of a short flight of stairs. Something about the little green door was quite peculiar, almost as though it were inviting her in.

At not more than four stories high, the building stood as a relic of past glory. While the rest of the shops in the district had either been restored or torn down, this forgotten little place remained an aged and abandoned eyesore. Precisely the reason Rarity chose it as her new boutique site.

Taking the key from her saddlebags, she turned the brass knob and pushed. The door’s rusty hinges creaked on the wooden frame And beyond the entrance a dark, empty room awaited. Thick layers of dust covered every available surface while cobwebs sprawled out lazily from the corners and draped across the beams.

“Well, this place could certainly use a bit of…” She felt her nostrils flare up, agitated by the mounds of dust falling in the air, and promptly sneezed. “Spring cleaning.”

Withdrawing a notepad and pen from her bag, she scrawled out a to-do list. Naturally, the first task involved cleaning every surface and restoring the interior to its once shiny and polished state. Afterwards, she would find somepony who could help her renovate the boutique, and finally, she would of course need to tackle decorating the interior in a new and exciting fashion. The Manehattan boutique couldn’t possibly emulate the style of decorum of its predecessors— it needed to be bold and exhilarating, much like the great city itself.

She returned to the street, where she walked along Fifth Avenue’s busy sidewalk, crowded with shoppers and food-stand attendees. The rich smells of warm bagels and hot coffee wafted through the cool air – the perfect touch for the fall season

Rarity took in the sights and smells for a moment before allowing her gaze to drift. Given the city’s size, she occasionally found it hard to remember where some places were located—even with her attention to detail. Hanging her head, she tried to remember on which street the decor store was located.

“Hmm…” Rarity pursed her lips while cantering down the sidewalk, completely oblivious of the ponies that needed to weave out of her way. “If I recall correctly… yes, now I remember!” Rarity grinned and lifted her head— before slamming straight into somepony.

Rarity toppled onto her back with a squeal. Her vision blurred from the impact, but before long she noticed a pair of light cyan eyes staring down at her, very much worried.

“Are you alright?” the mare asked, lending her hoof.

Rarity rubbed a hoof across her eyes and blinked a few times. “Coco Pommel?”

The mare immediately brightened. “Omigosh, Rarity! I sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“Well, I certainly didn’t see you there either, Coco,” Rarity said as she stood to her hooves, taking a moment to brush herself off. “But it is quite a nice surprise.”

After collecting herself, Rarity continued on her way – this time, with a friend. “So, what brings you to the big city, Rarity?”

Rarity cleared her throat, trying her best to suppress an excited grin. “As you may have heard, I’ve opened a rather successful boutique in Canterlot and so I thought it only sensible to set up my next flagship boutique in Manehattan. To be honest, I was on my way to the craft & decor store before I bumped into you actually.”

“Oh really?” The two stopped at a crossing light as a mass of traffic rushed by. Coco pursed her lips and rubbed a hoof across her chin. “You know, I might have just the pony to help you!”

She needed help, sure but allowing somepony else to take helm of the entire renovation process? To think of such an idea, how absurd! And after all the trouble she’d had with Sassy Saddles, to just let somepony else take full responsibility of something so important...it just wasn’t right. Especially after all the trouble I had with Sassy Saddles. Having yet another pony step in and take responsibility of something so important felt decidedly wrong..

A comfortable silence lingered between them as they crossed over. “Who precisely is this pony? I might’ve heard of them if they work in the fashion industry.”

“North Point,” Coco said, averting her gaze, “she doesn’t necessarily work in the fashion industry. She’s actually a production designer and works on the sets of famous plays. Her eye for detail and craftsmanship have made her one of the most talented ponies I’ve met in a long time.”

Maybe I’ve got nothing to worry about after all. If Coco Pommel says they’re talented, I’ve got no reason to argue. Rarity wove through the sea Manehattanites after Coco. Besides, even if she’s not. I can always decide not to hire her, it is my boutique after all. “North Point… that does sound familiar.”

“Maybe she was one of the patrons at Canterlot Carousel?”

“Quite possibly. Although if that were the case, we probably didn’t have much time to talk. I was rather busy attending to other customers. I definitely remember her though.”

“That’s good!” Coco beamed from ear to ear. “I was planning to meet her for coffee later. I’m sure she would love to talk with you.”

Rarity nodded. If North Point truly was somepony with a technical eye for structure and design, then she needn’t worry. “She sounds lovely. I’d certainly like to speak with her at least. Now, where did you say the store is located?” She glanced up at the skyscrapers that towered above them.

“Oh, it’s just a few more blocks. I remember it sitting next to a cozy little diner on the corner of Sixth Street.”

When they arrived at the decor store, silence fell between them. The once promising Craft & Decor store had been reduced to nothing more than a decayed, abandoned building with all of its windows boarded up.

Coco’s ears drooped at the sight. “Gee, I’m sorry, Rarity. I probably should’ve mentioned that they closed down. I’m sorry.”

Rarity couldn’t help but slump at the sight as well. A moment passed before she turned to stare back at the street. “It’s… it’s quite alright, Coco,” she muttered, her voice unsteady. “I just hope there’s another decor store around here.”

Coco rested a hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “Don’t fret. North Point is one of the best up-and-coming architects in Manehattan, I’m sure she’ll know where all the best decor stores are.”

Rarity looked into the mare’s bright eyes, her sincere smile one that she could trust. “You’re right, what am I so upset about? Shall we wait for her at the diner?”

“Definitely,” Coco said with a grin.

“‘Chester’s Diner, home to the finest coffee in all of Manehattan,’”

Rarity read aloud from a dingy little sign, which hung off an even dingier building. “Are you sure about this, Coco? I mean, there are far classier cafe’s in Manehattan than this.” Her nose scrunched up at the foul odor in the air.

“Rarity, if I didn’t think highly of this place, I wouldn’t have recommended it. Now let’s go inside, North Point is probably already waiting for us,” Coco said, pushing open the oaken door.

Although the aesthetics outside screamed anything but inviting, the interior of Chester’s Diner told an entirely different story. Rarity surveyed the room as they strode in, hooves eliciting a protest from the worn floorboards. Her eyes scanned the discolored photographs barely clinging to the faded, striped wallpaper At the very back of the diner, a retired jukebox sat at the end of a row of aging vinyl booths. Swivel stools sat behind the bar atop black and white tiles, which appeared to be the only new additions to the entire restaurant. What is this, a fifties soda shop?

Despite all of this, Rarity found the warm, cocoa-filled air unusually familiar. She couldn’t remember ever visiting Chester’s, but Rarity felt that in another life—in another realm perhaps— she might of come this way before.

She breathed the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee with a contented smile, relishing its nostalgic scent. Sliding herself into one of the booths sectioned against the left wall, she let out a deep sigh of relief as she settled in beside the large window.

Across the table, Coco slid into her seat, eyeing her curiously. “Are you okay, Rarity? You look like you’re drifting off there.”

Rarity returned a sideways glance, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “Oh, I’m quite alright, darling. I was just… resting my eyes for a moment.”

Coco raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I suppose the smells of piping hot coffee paired off with the oak floorboards and toasted cinnamon buns might of gotten to me. But only a little… I mean, it’s not at all like I can be so easily seduced by the cute stallion standing behind the counter at the moment!” she squeaked. Her eyes turned to gaze upon the rugged and unshaven face of the barista.

Coco giggled and shook her head. “I think somepony needs a coffee. How do you have yours, Rarity?... um, Rarity?”

But her infatuation already went beyond the point of no return, past a silly crush, for Rarity was now eyeing the stallion off.

Coco cleared her throat and leaned forward. “Rarity!”

Rarity flinched as she spun around in her seat, now focused on the pony in front of her. “Yes, darling?”

“How do you have your coffee?” Coco asked through her clenched teeth.

“Oh, I’ll order it myself. There’s no need to ask.”

In one fluid motion, Rarity got up from her seat and went over to the counter where the stallion stood. “What can I get for you, Miss?” he asked, bright eyes locking onto hers.

Polite and handsome? What more could a mare want?“I’ll have a soy cappuccino, one sugar and extra frothy please, darling. I need it to be creamy.”

“And what is your friend having?” he asked, peering over at Coco Pommel.

Rarity followed his gaze and remembered that Coco hadn’t ordered anything. “Oh! Right, she’ll have a white tea, two sugars. Can I also have a cinnamon muffin and a slice of cheesecake, please?”

“Sure thing,” he said as he counted up the total. “That’ll be twenty-three bits please.”

Rarity pulled out a pouch from her saddlebag and placed the sum on the counter. “Thank you very much, your drinks will be ready shortly,” he said as he went over to the display and placed the treats on a plate before passing them to Rarity. “Say, Miss, what’s your name?”

Stunned by the stallion’s bold question, she hesitated a moment before giving a response. “My name is Rarity. Why might you ask?”

“Well, you just look familiar is all. I could’ve sworn I’ve seen your face before. Not that a pretty one like yours is easy to forget.” He looked at her now with a smile that sent warmth throughout her body and left her standing breathless.

She steadied herself and tried to hide the red patches forming on her cheeks. “Thank you. You’re right though, this place does feel rather familiar. Maybe we met in another life?”

“Perhaps. Or maybe I just saw you on the street—just another stranger in passing. Anyway, I better go make your coffee. The name’s Chester by the way,” he said before returning to the task at hoof.

Rarity returned to her booth, where Coco sat waiting. A small smile crept its way onto the mare’s face. “Is something wrong, Coco?”

“Nothing’s wrong, I just…” She took a deep breath. “I just found it cute how you two were conversing with another. It’s obvious he likes you. I even saw him wink at you earlier.”

Rarity placed a hoof beneath her chin and leaned closer. “Well, there’s something about the way he was looking at me. Almost as though we’ve met before.”

Coco nodded. “Have you though?”

“No, I haven’t. Which makes it all the more unusual, don’t you think?”

“I couldn’t say. While matters of the heart intrigue me, I’ve never been in a romantic relationship with anypony.” Her eyes flitted away for a moment, she could feel the passionate warmth rise up into her cheekbones. “Do you like him?”

Rarity’s eyes lit up. “Of course I do, darling! But enough about that. Now, when did you say North Point will arrive?” she asked, gazing out of the window beside them.

Coco rubbed her chin. “I’m not sure, but she can’t be far away.”

A rich, cocoa aroma filled the air, which was promptly followed by a growl from Rarity’s stomach. To her relief, Chester arrived with their drinks. With a hot cappuccino and delicious cinnamon muffin to enjoy, she could finally relax.

Halfway through her coffee, the doorbell chimed, and a familiar pony entered the diner. Removing a tight knit scarf from her neck, she walked over to the booth where Coco and Rarity sat. “You must be Rarity,” she said, her voice light and cheery.

Rarity looked up at the pony. She recognized the mare’s light pink and violet streaks in her mane and tail. “North Point, I believe?” Rarity asked as Coco shuffled down her seat to make room.

“I am really excited about working with you, Rarity. Coco Pommel told me so many great things about you.”

Rarity glanced at Coco. “She did?”

“Yes, she did,” North Point said. “I even had the privilege of being a customer at one of your boutiques. The regality and sophistication of Canterlot Carousel’s arched windows and conical spires are what drew me to it.”

Rarity paused for a moment. “Wait a minute, weren’t you the pony who bought that stunning Celestial Evenings gown? The one with the wire collar and gold trimmings?”

“That very same. I went to the Canterlot Opera in that gown and I’m even considering wearing it to the next gala. It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Rarity chuckled. “Well, darling, I’m flattered that you think my designer gown worthy of the Grand Galloping Gala. Coco tells me that you do architectural and interior design, am I correct?”

North Point nodded. “You most certainly are. Even as a filly I’ve always possessed a great passion for the design and construction of the many beautiful buildings in this city. Designing an interior for such a high profile client is a dream come true.”

“Well, that is my job now isn’t it?” Rarity beamed.

“Indeed. The building you are looking at renovating is rather old, but I think you’ve made an excellent choice. It was once the home of a newspaper press, but today it stands as an iconic relic of the early 19th century.”

“And that is exactly why I chose it, darling.”

Coco cleared her throat. “If I might ask, how are you paying for the cost of the renovation, Rarity?”

Rarity giggled. “Coco, my dear, if I couldn’t afford these high scale renovations, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Besides, I am more than able to pay for the renovations, but also the services of North here,” she said, gesturing to the mare.

North Point blushed. “Rarity, you don’t have to be so kind. While my job entails a rather complex set of tasks and calculations, it’s not that difficult.”

“Don’t be so modest North,” Coco chimed in, “you and I both know what a fantastic designer you are.”

“Well, before you sell my services too strongly,” North Point said, rummaging through her saddle-bag, “shall we take a look at the plans?”

Clearing the dishes to one side, North Point laid out the blueprints for the exterior renovation of the building site. “It should be in an almost castle-like form, akin to the Plaza Hotel whilst staying true to the sophistication and elegance of its predecessors. It should also have the glitz and glam of the modern metropolitan runway.” She pulled some more blue-prints. “What do you think?”

“That sounds absolutely divine, North Point. It’s clear you’ve got an eye for detail,” Rarity said, taking note of the fine details in the blue-prints.

“Thank you, Rarity I am excited about working with you on this.” Standing, North Point said, “Now I better return to my office, there’s paperwork that needs filling out.” She extended a hoof to Rarity. “It’s a pleasure working with you.”

Rarity shook the mare’s hoof. “The pleasure’s all mine, darling.”

“I’ll see you girls later.” North Point said, leaving the two at their booth.

A few minutes of silence passed before one of them finally spoke up. “Rarity, would it be alright if I left as well? I have some costume designs that I need to go over.”

“Coco, my dear, I would never keep you from your work. You don’t need to ask my permission.”

“Are you sure?” she asked as she rose out of her seat.

“Yes, Coco, I’m sure.”

She slided out of the booth and onto the black and white checkered tiles. Leaving Rarity to sit and contemplate the day’s proceedings. A busy and chaotic morning, followed by a rather laid-back afternoon. But one thought still drifted in her thoughts – the strange sensation that she’d been here once before. The jukebox at the back of the diner told no lies after all.

If she visited the cozy diner on the corner of Sixth, she would remember something like that. Perhaps her mind allowed her to remember the feelings, the sensations of the experience, but nothing else? She let the thoughts drift to the back of her mind as she stared out the window, watching the sun set over the sleepless city.

She wondered if anypony else noticed it too. If they did, what struck them most? Was it the moist rays of the sun as it embraced the walls of every building and the faces of everypony? Or how with every passing moment the bright reds and orange became soft, muted pinks?

“It really is something, ain’t it?” spoke a smooth, deep voice.

The question snapped Rarity out of her trance. Looking up, she locked gazes with a pair of ivory eyes.

Letting her gaze drift back to the window, Rarity sighed. “Yes, it is truly… something.”

The stallion pushed a small, brown paper bag towards her. “Here, I want you to have this.”

“What is it?” Rarity asked, peering at the paper bag.

Looking away, he said, “It’s uh, just a little something to get you through the rest of the evening. I heard you talking about opening up a store here in the city and it sounded like you’re gonna be busy.”

Rarity smiled. “Thank you, Chester. But I’m more used to giving generosity, rather than receiving.”

“I bet you are. After all, you’re the Element of Generosity now ain’t you?”

Rarity let out a giggle. “Yes, I am. But I personally don’t like to make it a topic of discussion. Most ponies know me for my fashion, not for my contribution to the forces protecting all of Equestria.”

Chester grinned from ear to ear. “You know, Miss? You really are something.”

Rarity felt warmth rise to her cheeks again. She had to hand it to him—something about the richness of his voice and the way he smiled made her forget the world around her.

They sat in silence for awhile. She wanted to remember this moment—remember the way the sunlight flickered across his ivory eyes and through his cobalt mane. The way his smile became gentler now, like he could feel it too.

But Rarity had to break the moment. “I better be going, but thanks again, Chester. I’ll be sure to enjoy it.” She rose from her seat and stood beside the booth, waiting for him to say something.

He stared at her rather intensely now. “I still think there’s something awfully familiar about you, Rarity. I just can’t put my hoof on it,” he said, rubbing his hoof against his chin.

Why is he making such a fuss about recognizing me? After all, I am an upcoming fashion designer and have made quite a status for myself as the Element of Generosity. It’s not unusual for ponies on the street to throw me a side-ways glance.

So why is he questioning it so much? Maybe I’m just overthinking it, he’s probably just curious. It’s not the first time a stallion has been interested in me and it won’t be the last.

She considered the stallion’s statement for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. “I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Chester shrugged. “Perhaps not. Anyway, I better get back to my barista duties. Ponies occasionally come through here after work for a quick coffee and a cinnamon donut.”

“Well, I’m certainly glad you get customers, Chester. This is a rough part of town—by which I mean it’s hard to stay in business with all the new coffee shops opening up around here.”

Chester’s gaze drifted for a moment. “You know how it is, they’ve got their loud music and edgy decor.”

“Yes, but you’ve got the best cup of coffee in all of Manehattan. Not to mention a regular customer.” She winked at him, and a smile lit up his face.

Chester’s smile lingered only for a moment before fading. “You sure got that right, but there’s no way we’ll stay business with the place looking like this. I haven’t the funds to fix it, I just kinda hoped that folks would come here for the rustic charm and smooth coffee.” He paused for a moment, his eyes looked around the empty room before falling on Rarity. “I guess they don’t even come here for that anymore.”

Rarity bit her lip. She wished she could do something to help, but all her money had been spent buying out the site for the boutique and renovating it. If only she could lend a helping hoof. “I really wish I could help you, Chester, you of all ponies need it. But I really must be getting back to the hotel. I have some designs that need finishing for the new boutique.”

Chester rose from the booth and began to walk back behind the counter. “Don’t worry about it, Miss Rarity. I know you give all that you can. I’ll let you get going, this place needs to be cleaned up anyways. Have a good night!”

Before she knew it, Rarity found herself out on the street again. She needed to find her way back to the hotel before night fell.

In a hasty to and fro, ponies and carts rushed past her, leaving a trail of fallen leaves in their wake. She stepped out onto the road and waved her hoof about in the air. After a few minutes, she gave up and started to walk along the hoofpath, tightening her scarf as she did so.

“Do you need a ride, Miss?” a voice asked.

Rarity spun around. Pulled beside her was a taxi carriage, with an eager looking stallion at the reins. “Why, yes I do!” she cried. “Thank you kindly, I don’t know how to repay you for your generosity.” She stepped up into the carriage and sat down on the little wooden seat.

The stallion chuckled. “No problem, Miss. Now, where might I be taking you this evening?” he asked.

“The Waldorf Astoria, on Park Avenue?”

“I know just the place. Hold onto your hat now, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

Rarity stepped out of the carriage and onto the paved streets of Manehattan. “Now, how much do I owe you?” she reached for her silk coin purse.

“No need to pay me, Miss. I’m giving you this ride free of charge.”

She shook her head. “But, why? You took me from one end of town to the other and you’re not even going to charge me?”

The stallion took of his hat. “Miss, when I saw you standing out there in the cold, trying to hail down a taxi, I… felt sorry for you. There are enough cruel and mean-spirited ponies in this city that I don’t need to be one of them. Have a good night.” He took off, running back into the bustling mayhem.

While the stallion’s generosity had taken her by surprise, she was relieved to finally be back at the hotel. Although, the more she thought about it, she probably would’ve given him more for his kindness. What in Equestria drove him not to charge her? Maybe I’m just over-thinking it. Rarity chuckled softly to herself. Some ponies are so mysterious.

Rarity turned to go back inside. She had booked her room weeks in advance to ensure that a room would be ready and waiting for her. Coincidentally, the foreclosure notice had arrived on her planned day of departure. Now, all she needed was to place a few coins in the bellhop’s hoof before entering the extravagant lobby.

When she walked up to the front desk, she tapped the bell twice before a lobbyist came to greet her. “How can I help you?”

“I was wondering if my room might be ready?”

“What name did you book it under?” the mare asked, her voice as low as her eyes were bored.

“Rarity.”

The mare opened a large file and started flipping through the pages. After a moment her hoof ran up and down the page as her eyes flitted back and forth. Finally, she looked up at Rarity. “Right this way, Madam. Our bellhop will assist you with your bags.”

She followed the mare through the lobby and over to the elevator where the bellhop stood waiting with her bags. “Bernard will escort you to your room. I hope you have a nice stay at the Waldorf Astoria,” she said before turning on her hoof and leaving Rarity at the elevator.

Once the elevator came down, they stepped inside and Rarity took in a deep sigh of relief. For the first time all day, she finally felt like she had a moment to breathe. It had been such a long, exhausting day and all she wanted was a nice, hot shower.

Now that would be the perfect way to end a day like today.Hot water seeping in and soaking her chilled coat along with the pore-cleansing steam… Truly the height of luxury! It would be just like having a spa day back in Ponyville. Just...without the zucchinis.

At long last, the elevator came to a halt and its shiny reflective doors opened. Stepping out, Rarity found herself in a long but well-lit corridor. She followed the bellhop down the passage and past several rooms.

Finally, they arrived at room 12B and Bernard rustled around his belt for the correct key. He opened the door and pushed the cart into the room and began to unload her bags. “I can take it from here, Bernard. Thank you all for your help,” she said before handing him a small pouch of coins.

“Gee, thanks, Miss. I’ll be sure to remember your generosity. Enjoy your night,” he said before taking away the cart and leaving her alone in her room.

She decided to leave her bags in the entryway and walked out onto the large balcony which extended out from her suite. Thirty-five floors up, the bright lights of the sleepless city shone with all the beauty and restlessness of the stars. The noise of the busy streets became but a distant echo as silence filled the chilly autumn air.

Rarity felt the hairs on her back stand on end as she returned to the warmth of her hotel room. Realizing that she had been out in the cold all day, she decided to enjoy a hot shower. She found her toiletries and went into the bathroom to turn on the water.

The lights flickering to life, Rarity gazed up at the elaborate chandelier overhead, adorned with jewels that reflected the golden manalight within. The marble tiles and countertops only added to the extravagance of the Waldorf Astoria’s master suites. Complimentary soap and shampoo sat waiting for her with the soft, velvet bathrobe that hung from the back of the door.

She started by unpacking the small package on the countertop. Taking in hoof the soaps and shampoo, she went over to the glass shower stall and turned on the water. By turning the gold taps, she managed to find a suitable temperature.

Removing her silk scarf, she stepped into the stall. Letting the warm water drizzle down her coat, all memory of the cold Autumn air soon disappeared from her mind. She increased the temperature as she levitated the bar of soap towards herself. Rarity began rubbing its smooth texture against her fur as she gently caressed her coat.

What a day.Between her run-in with Coco, meeting with North Point, and conversation with Chester, she scarcely had the opportunity to get to work. Thinking of Chester brought a resurgence of that familiar, nagging sensation. I could have sworn I’ve met him before. He certainly insisted on it. Perhaps we crossed on the metro. Yes, that sounded logical. After all, a pony like her did not simply did not forget a meaningful connection with any pony let alone a stallion as handsome as him.

She giggled to herself. Maybe he just made it up. Rarity could not deny her feminine charms. Still, his ardent insistence that they knew one another unsettled her. Shaking the thought loose, she brought her focus back to the present.

The Boutique needed renovating. I thought I had a little more time. But, the letter had shattered that illusion. I suppose the landlords around here aren’t as lenient as they were back in Ponyville. Not that they really had landlords, considering most ponies owned the land their buildings rested on. At least we’re a good, honest town.

Hot, wet steam filled the bathroom as Rarity stepped out of the shower stall. She wrapped herself in her velvet robe and walked out into her suite. Her whole body was soft and warm, indulged in the sweet scents of lavender and rosemary.

I wonder if the hotel’s bar would be open at this hour? I could go and celebrate the first day of my boutique renovations and all the success of my career thus far. Or would my celebrations be too premature? After all, I’m not out of the woods just yet.

No. I’ve earnt this, I should at least treat myself to a quiet one.

Rarity’s eyes lit up as she thought about it. She went over to where her bags had been left and found the small box where she kept the outfit for such an occasion. Removing its contents, she returned to the bathroom where she slipped on the little black dress.

She touched up her make-up, restyled her hair into her signature curls and adorned her neck in a string of pearls. Picking up her coin purse, she headed out the door and down the passage. The row of wall lamps lit up the corridor, their warm light spotted along the lush carpet.

Pressing the button for the elevator, she touched up her mane in the reflection of its shiny doors. A moment later, the doors chimed opened and Rarity stepped through, unaware of what fate had in store for her.

Back in the lobby, she headed straight for the bar which was located in the lobby’s East wing. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling and opulent wallpaper wrapped its way around the walls. To one side, was the bar and in the middle was some round tables with immaculate white tablecloths. In the corner sat a grand piano and on the West wall were three grand arched windows which rose up as high as the ceiling.

After acquainting herself with her surroundings, Rarity took a seat at the bar, her eyes still dancing around the room. “What can I get for you, Miss?” a gentle voice asked.

She turned to face the bartender, who looked at her with beady eyes. “Oh, I’ll have a martini please.”

“A fine choice, Miss. Your beverage shall be prepared shortly,” he said as he turned away from her.

I’ve never heard a bartender speak with such...refinement. I suppose hotel bartenders speak differently from the ones at the local watering hole in Ponyville.

Her eyes fell on a elegant piece of headwear that a mare was wearing a few seats over.

The feathers on that mare’s hat are divine. I should ask where she bought it.

But before she could speak, the bartender had returned with her drink. “Your martini, Miss.” he said as he passed it over the counter.

“Thank you.” She took a quick sip of her martini before leaning over to tap the mare on the shoulder. “Um, excuse me? I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your cloche, it’s simply divine.”

The mare spun around to face her, the wide grin on her face told Rarity that she had made a fatal error. Her gray-ish brown eyes held a steel gaze as they glanced over her.

“Good to see you again, Rarity. It’s such a lovely surprise.”

“Suri Polomare?”

Author's Note

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you thought, I'd appreciate any feedback.

Massive thanks to my brilliant and infinitely patient editors Bluegrass Brooke and Vertigo-01 who played a major role in turning this story into what it is today.

I'm unsure of when the next chapter will be released, but hopefully it won't take so long next time.

Cheers.