Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Ms. Ward, he never touches the pickles. Hand them over."

But before she could reach for the plate, Rupert Garcia snagged it first.

"Who says I don't like pickles?"

"..."

Sylvia Lloyd stared at Rupert in surprise as he dipped his fork in the tangy brine.

He was acting a little strange today.

But she shrugged it off, poking at a couple of pierogis on her plate just to be polite.

As soon as Ms. Ward finished her meal, Sylvia got up to help clear the table, hoping to nudge her toward the door. But after a brief lull, Ms. Ward's favorite pastime kicked back in-gossip.

"So, it's really over?" she asked, wiping down the table with a paper towel. "Yeah." Sylvia glanced unconsciously at Rupert and nodded.

Not that there was ever really anything to end, anyway.

Ms. Ward's eyes lit up with excitement. "Well, I'll set you up with someone!"

"What?"

Sylvia almost dropped her mug.

Ward shot a quick look at Rupert and reassured him, "Mr. Rupert, as your aunt, I promise I'll thoroughly vet anyone I introduce to your niece. No way I'd let her end up with a bad

Sylvia, his tone chilly,

chill ran down Sylvia's spine. She shook her head quickly, "No,

handle—just a little small talk

still young. But just don't go

going back... Oh! I almost

to grab a small gift box and handed it over. "Open it when

a bit embarrassed, "Thank you, hun.

the plates and headed

around as if something just popped into

over the moon He wants to commission a special piece of jewelry for her,

business card from her pocket and

"Thanks."

she left, Sylvia examined the card. Turned out, Ms. Ward had given her a slip

stared at the numbers, a weird feeling of déjà vu washed

figure it out, a sudden

back,

pushed her tighter against the

have dinner

none of your business, Uncle Rupert!

rose at the end, echoing through the quiet