17

Evy

Outside the house, I settle into a lounge chair and stare at the starless night sky. What was I expecting from this situation? Damn it, I'm just a damn contract, and I should be satisfied that he's keeping his word! Gael doesn't owe me anything; I'm the one in debt to him. A glass appears in my field of vision, and through its transparent edges, I see him. He looks serious and somewhat apprehensive. I adjust myself on the lounge chair and take the glass from his hand. He sits on the adjacent chair and sips some of his wine.

"How was it with your mother?" The question catches me off guard, but merely asking warms me.

"She's fine! Just... something came up that... left me reeling."

"What?"

"She doesn't remember the accident, so she doesn't know that my dad died and that Alex left."

"I'm so sorry! Come here." Gael sets his glass aside, opens his arms, and without hesitation, I move to nestle in them. He kisses my hair, and I close my eyes to savor the contact. "It'll all work ou