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“Or further up the drive and give it to a lady?”
I sigh and sit back. “Fine,” I utter.
Sophie snorts and then grabs the cocktails that have been sitting there for the last ten minutes while I work. The condensation on the glass has made the glasses slippery, and we hold them delicately.
“To my free day,” Sophie says.
“To your free day,” I repeat. We clink glasses and sip at the margherita. “I must say you make a fine drink.”
And strong,” Sophie giggles. “I hide it the fruit. You wouldn’t suspect that there’s half a bottle of rum in it.”
I almost drop the glass. “Serious?”
“No…” But Sophie winks.
We laugh, and I lie back, letting the sun bathe me in warmth and trying to wash the anxieties free from my mind. I was half hoping that Sebastian would be here at the house when I came. I haven't seen him since the party, and, well, I haven’t seen him since then.
I feel like there’s unfinished business. I have unfinished business at least.
As if on cue, I hear him and Luca coming down the drive and around the house. Their shoes crunch in the gravel driveway, and they emerge carrying boxes and talking seriously. When they see us, though, Luca lights up. Sebastian after a wide eyed moment.
“Ladies, you’re looking fabulous,” he leans down and kisses Sophie.
Sebastian and I remain staring at each other in a game of acknowledgement chicken. Who’s gonna break?
“What’re you two carrying?” Sophie asks, lifting her sunglasses up.
“Just records,” Sebastian says. “Fun.”
Luca laughs and sets his box down on the table. “Looks like you’ve got something sweet.”
“There’s some left over if you’re thirsty?”
“I’m always thirsty,” Luca says, leaning down and kissing her again.
Sebastian and I avoid watching them, but not before I notice a stab of embarrassment come to Seb’s face. It’s not the kissing that makes both of us uncomfortable, it’s what it remindsusof.
“I’m gonna take these in,” Sebastian says.
“Sure,” Luca straightens up. “Want a drink too?” he asks, heading for the kitchen.
Sebastian nods. “When I get back.” He slides the second box off of the table onto his parcel, and his arms bulge. The already heavy boxes make him pop, and my own eyes bulge too.
“Why don’t I help?” I ask, getting up.
“Well, I’ve already got them stacked…”
“Maybe moral support then?” I offer, winking at Sophie, who laughs. Sebastian and I head inside the house, but at a different door. We’re taking these through to Luca’s office. The house is cool, a breeze is rolling through from the open windows. After a week of wet heat and humidity, the hot air is cooling with the slight sweat that's forming on my body.
I can see Sebastian hunching over, steeling himself for the conversation. We enter the office, and he places the boxes lightly on the table and then turns back to close the door.
I intercept him and crawl into his arms, planting a kiss on his lips.
He hesitates for a few seconds. Ifeelhim wanting to kiss me back.
But ultimately doesn't.
My worst fears are confirmed.
