Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

It was Edwin and Naomi.

Edwin reached into his coat and pulled out a box of pastries.

Even from way across the street, Kay could almost see the steam rising from

them.

Years ago, Edwin used to do the same for her.

She'd still been in school back then, while Edwin was already working his way up

at a Garcia Group subsidiary.

Back in the day, Mr. Edwin was nothing like the timid man he'd become now.

If she ever craved something-pizza, donuts, you name it-one call, and after

class, there he'd be at the school gates, holding exactly what she wanted.

But now...

Naomi was looking at him the way a high schooler might look at a rock star.

Kay couldn't hear her, but from the way Naomi's lips moved, she was clearly

calling him "babe."

Ha, as if someone like her could pull that off.

Edwin said something, took Naomi's hand, and the two of them walked off

together, carefree and oblivious.

Kay took a deep breath, turning to Tristan with a wry smile in her eyes.

"If the right person never shows up, being single doesn't seem so bad."

"Didn't realize you were the sentimental type," Tristan replied, always quick on the

uptake.

thoughts elsewhere. "Right now, I just want to see

was her mother's last wish, and I

down. It's

"What is it?"

a huge

Mr. Rupert before, and now there's

How am I supposed to

face was

at the mention

Sanfords and the

could hurt both families.

through Kay's act-she was

he knew her game.

cut to the chase: "So what

should do?"

had to admit,

small laugh.

kid anymore. Sure,

but let's

wants to marry

else in our

better if

and

as a

hands behind his back, giving Kay a

guess where she was going with

say it outright, but asked, "Got anyone in

it over,

Reese's aunt in name,

had to tread

mind, and couldn't help but feel a little

had married Kay back then, none of this mess

and Sylvia never

it came to Sylvia, Tristan's patience wore thin. He finally