“Well, I’m just testing some basic animations out,” she says, looking up at me with eager eyes, “but I’m trying to make the background seem alive to give the right atmosphere. This is what I’ve done so far.” She clicks a button on the screen and brings up another window. It reveals the layered, painted forest Horace showed me earlier this week, but now the canopy flutters.
“The leaves are quivering,” I whisper, leaning in. “It looks magical. You even made the shadows dance.”
She breathes in sharply, and I look at her. Her face is closer than I expected, and I shift back. It’ll be those dilated pupils and flush of her cheeks I picture before I sleep tonight.
We stare at each other, and I know I need to snap out of this, although all I want to know is what she’s thinking. Could I just tell her everything now?
She turns to the screen again, and the moment is gone.
“Tell me more about that world of yours,” I say, and that’s all it takes to set her off; the invite she seems to have waited for. Her energy is palpable as she shows her different sketches, draws on her whiteboard while describing the characters and the planet, and, well beyond her remit as aninternconcept artist, she shares her ideas for the gameplay concepts. It could use some structure and refinement, but I like where she’s going.
It’s difficult not to notice how her hair is bouncing as she moves, how her soft lips form every word, and when she turns to draw on the whiteboard, stretching up on her toes to reach the last blank area, it’s impossible not to appreciate how the short dress hikes up and hints at the softness underneath.
But I remain present and hang on every word.
She’s clearly intelligent, and next to her passion, it’s the sexiest thing about her so far.
There’s a buzzing, and I realise after a beat that it’s my phone ringing.
“Excuse me, Rey,” I say and answer it.
“Mr Becker, I’m calling from reception.” It’s the evening guard. “I’m so sorry to disturb, but you have visitors. Where can I find you?”
“I have what?” I ask. “I’m in the creative corner. Who’s there?”
The call cuts off, and I shrug.
“Everything okay?” Rey asks.
“I think so. I’ll go check.”
When I stand up to go to reception, I’m suddenly faced with a group of people I did not expect to see in my office.
The same hazel eyes as mine, and a face I know better than most, glows in the light of a birthday cake.
“Happy birthday!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
hi, alice
MARK
Mum. Dad. Everyone. Bloody hell … I completely forgot, but why are theyhere?
“Happy birthday to you!” many voices sing in different tunes, musical ability not being one of the Beckers’ best genes, and I laugh despite myself.
“Alright, thank you,” I say, but they continue. “Stop it, I beg of you.” I hold up my hands.
“Blow out the candles!” they shout and cheer. I oblige, knowing full well they’ll start a roaring chant if I don’t. “Why are you here? I’m meeting you at the restaurant.” I say as I hug Silvia and Violet, my middle sisters.
“You stood us up, you absolute tosspot.”
I know that voice.
My youngest sister, Fern, steps out from behind the rest and gives me her signature look with one raised eyebrow.
“Fern!” I open my arms and she crashes into me. “Holy shit, I didn’t know you were coming back yet.”
