I leaned back slightly, finally looking up at her but avoiding her eyes. She stood just inside the door, holding a folder.
“Where is Lavender?”
“I told her I’d drop it off.”
I nodded once. “Of course. Why am I not surprised.”
“You shouldn’t be.”
She shut the door behind her, deliberately cornering me here and making sure we weren’t getting interrupted.
“You cured yet?” She asked, walking closer.
“No,” I said, already turning back to my screen. “And I have a headache so if you could please?—”
She walked around the desk, moved the ashtray out of the way and sat right on top of it before I could finish. Then she picked up the half lit cigar, taking a small puff, then immediately choked.
“Seriously?”
“Why’s it spicy?” Her voice was gritty.
“Put that down before you hurt yourself.”
She did, but then she leaned in close. So close that I had to lean back in my chair just to keep space between us.
“Why are you avoiding me, Marley?” she asked.
I kept my eyes on the screen for a second longer before closing the laptop halfway.
“Like I said. I ain’t avoiding you. I’m just tired.”
“Right.” She watched me closely, reading more than I was saying. “And it ain’t got nothing to do with what I said?”
Do you love me?
“No.”
“And you’re not still mad at me?”
“I got no reason to be.”
“Good.” She gave a small nod. “I thought drinking on the job was a bit too far but if you’re cool with it then no reason to harp on it.”
I looked up at her then, unimpressed. Right, she did do that shit. I was so distracted I forgot about it.
“You know what? I change my mind.”
She smiled at that to show she was glad she got a reaction out of me.
“Too late! No taksies backsies.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I really did miss you though,” she said, her tone shifting. “All this shit aside, I care about you, you know?”
I held her gaze for a second before answering. “I care about you too.”
“Then talk to me.”
