“I suck up the vibe at the café. I know when people need something and when they should be left alone. It’s a talent, being able to read the room.”
Unsettled by Colette’s revelation, Sylvie loaded a dryer and made her excuses to get some air. When her cell rang, she almost ignored it, wishing away the interruption. But Ade’s name across her blank screen made her heart leap. “Hi.”
“I wanted to see you,” Ade said. “Can you come over to the marine center?”
“I’m in the middle of some chores.” Sylvie looked to the sky for an answer. “And I’m meant to be working on my book this afternoon.”
“I don’t want to disturb you, but…” Ade said, “I’ve been thinking. You’ll be away in England soon for Elda’s exhibition and then I’ll be away with Steph for our birthday.”
“I know that.” Sylvie had dreaded the time apart too…until they’d argued.
“Maybe bring your edits with you. I have jobs to do, and we can work down here together. It’s quiet, and I won’t disturb you, I promise. I just need to see your face.”
Sylvie swallowed back the trepidation she’d been feeding all day. “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
The last time they’d spoken, Sylvie had worried she’d said too much, been too abrupt. But Ade’s invitation seemed like an attempt to wipe the slate clean, and with no real reason to delay, Sylvie headed for the marine center as soon as she’d dropped her laundry back at her apartment.
She swiped her entry pass at the front of the building, and Ade was already there, waiting to meet her in the foyer. Their eyes met through the rotating doors, and Sylvie’s whole body responded, a thrill coursing through her veins.
“Close your eyes,” Ade said and gave her a cheeky smile.
“What are you up to?” Sylvie asked.
Ade took Sylvie’s hand. “Come with me.”
She’d missed the warm softness of Ade’s palm against hers, and she allowed herself to be led through the center’s corridors to its main labs.
“Here we are.” Ade stopped and held both Sylvie’s hands. “Don’t open your eyes yet. Just listen.”
Sylvie focused on what she could hear: a gentle lap of water and the deep moan of something animal.
“Feel better yet?” Ade asked.
Sylvie hummed her response in tune with the calm, restful melody of the marine life around her.
“Okay, you can open your eyes. Come, sit.” Ade led her to a desk station, adorned with blankets and cushions, where there was a flask full of coffee and homemade cookies. “You could work here for the afternoon, while I get the rest of my jobs done.”
“You did all this?”
“Sure.” Ade rested her hands on Sylvie’s shoulders and gently eased her into a seated position. She removed her jacket and began to massage Sylvie’s shoulders.
Sylvie leaned into the touch, enjoying the firm roll of her muscles under Ade’s fingers. “I won’t get much work done this way.”
“I know, but it would be good to relax.”
“Relaxing is one word for it.” Sylvie bit her lip, the sensation in her shoulders traveling all the way to her core.
“Hey,” Ade said, swiveling the chair around so that she faced Sylvie. “I fucked up this week. I embarrassed you, and that’s not okay. I’m trying to signal here that I will do just about anything to put that right. And that means creating an environment where you can relax, get some work done, and we can enjoy each other’s company.”
“It beats working at my kitchen table, which is what I had planned.” Sylvie smiled, grateful for the simple gesture. “You know, you’re like a different person when you’re here.”
“What do you mean?” Ade frowned. “I’m the same person I always am.”
“Not like that. You have a calm, which is kind of catching. I feel more relaxed already.” Sylvie put her head against Ade’s stomach. “I’m really worried about this work stuff.”
“I know you are. What can I do to help?”
“Just this,” said Sylvie. “Giving me time and space to focus on it. I’ve been distracted lately.”
