Page 129 of Suite 7

The thought arrives with a cold, quiet clarity I don’t expect: this is what we’ve built. This impossible thing.

My attention drifts to Kane again. Lisa is still talking to him, animated, laughing at something he’s said. She’s good at this — the easy lean, the eye contact that says you’re the most interesting person in the room. I know that move.

And then her hand finds his arm and she tilts toward him and I think, with absolute composure, that I am going to walk over there and⁠⁠—

The vibration slams back on. Hard. Insistent.

My knees nearly buckle. I plant my hand against the nearest wall.

The absolute bastard. He saw me looking. He knew exactly what I was about to do and he — I press my lips together, furious, which does nothing because being furious while your body is doing this is a deeply undignified experience and he knows that too. He knows all of it. He’s standing across this gallery in a charcoal suit looking like he owns the room and he is doing this to me on purpose and I cannot even —

I ask for water, arranging my face into something that might pass for fine.

I am going to kill him.

Later. After.

The vibration eases. Then stops.

I exhale once, carefully, and find Kane across the room without meaning to. He’s already looking at me. He gives me a controlled, small nod. Bastard.

I pick up my water, and turn away first.

A woman in a burgundy dress catches my eye and smiles. “Beautiful event. Though I’m mostly here for the open bar.” She laughs. “Plus-one to an architect.”

I just nod and smile.

She accepts her wine and leans in. “Don’t look now, but there’s a handsome man across the room who cannot stop watching you.”

My stomach drops.

“Tall, dark hair, gorgeous suit. Charcoal, I think. He’s been at it a while.” She grins. “Lucky you.” She drifts back into the crowd with a knowing smile, while I stand at the bar, gripping my water glass.

Someone noticed.

I pull out my phone.

Me: People are noticing you staring.

Gerald: Let them notice.

Me: That’s not reassuring.

Gerald: Should I stop looking at you?

Me: ...Yes?

Gerald: No.

I smile despite everything.

Me: You’re impossible.

Gerald: And you’re beautiful. Now stop texting me and go be impressive somewhere else. I’ll watch from here.

I pocket my phone.

The vibration pulses once. Soft. Then stops entirely.