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Does Sebastian want that?
I grab the soup, the one labeled “Chicken Noodle” and tear the top off, sinking my soup spoon into it before I’ve even reached the barstool in my kitchen.
I’ve got some healing to do. I’ve got to get back to Sebastian.
Chapter 22
Sebastian
Three days. Elianna has been away from the office for three days. Apparently, she tried to come in yesterday, got to the parking garage, felt woozy again, and went straight home.
I’m glad she did because I want her to take care of herself. But I miss her. And it’s not like when Britta would be gone because of illness or vacation and I’d start to grow anxious. That bout of anxiety was due to all the things piling up that I couldn’t—or didn’t have time to do.
I miss Elianna. She’s a bright spot in this pressure cooker that is the Tate International world. She’s brought an element of fun and excitement to all of us and we need her back.
I need her back.
It’s midday on Friday when I get a text from her, and I get a sort of wobbly feeling in my throat as I read it.
Elianna:Hey, Sebastian. I’m feeling A-Okay. I’ll be back on Monday for sure.
I respond telling her I’m excited to hear that and that she’s been missed.
I’vemissed her. But I don’t say that explicitly. Another text comes through.
Elianna:I’ve been cooking . . . watch out! I make a mean meal of boneless ribs and mashed potatoes. Can I bring you some? To thank you for taking such good care of me?
I know I shouldn’t do this, but the thought of waiting all weekend to see her isn’t okay.
Me:How about I pick you up after work? Maybe I could show you my new place . . . this time while it’s light out so you can see everything better?
Because it can’t be a date; I’m just showing her the place. I haven’t shown anyone my new house, and I’m itching to. It’s no big deal.
Elianna:I’d love to. Except, you don’t stop working until nine and it’s way past dark then.
Me:It’s the weekend, I don’t work until 9 on the weekend.
Elianna:Hahaha. Very funny. Okay, then what time?
Me:Six?
Elianna:Did you come down with my sickness? A healthy, normal Sebastian would never leave work at six.
Sebastian:Maybe I am coming down with it. Guess you’ll have to spend a lot of time with me to make sure I’m okay.
What has happened to me? I’m flirting and through text, no less.
This is a dangerous game. I know this. But it’s not a game. It’s Elianna. And my feelings for her have grown very, very serious.
I’ll see her tonight. And then I have to go back to reality the next day. I can’t take my eyes off the Deca Arete prize for longer than that.
Elianna’s face is back to its normal, gorgeous color and when she opens the door, the music of Ace of Base is coming loudly from the kitchen.
“Hey!” She kicks her leg up behind her in kind of a jump, skip move.
“Wow, you are feeling better.” Something happy pulses in my chest.
“I remember who I am, finally. That was some bug. You sure you haven’t gotten sick?”
