Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Fay didn't tell Sylvia where they were having dinner-she just said she wanted to surprise everyone.

Sylvia had already resigned herself to spending a small fortune that night, so she didn't ask any more questions.

Right before clocking out, she got a text from Lester.

"Want me to swing by and pick you up later?"

"No need, thanks to your generosity I just got a fat bonus-taking the team out for dinner tonight."

"So you're not gonna treat your favorite sponsor to dinner? That's just not right."

"I'm off tomorrow. I'll cook for you instead."

Sylvia typed the reply in a flash and hit send without a second thought.

Ever since she'd taken Edwin's advice, she'd become comfortable letting Lester pursue her. They weren't officially together, of course, but there was definitely an unspoken understanding between them.

Just like any regular couple, they'd chat, grab the occasional bite together, talk some more.

It was simple, ordinary-and Sylvia found it strangely comforting.

On her screen, the "Lester is typing..." bubble lingered for ages.

Finally, his one-word reply popped up:

"Deal."

but grin, picturing Lester hunched over his desk, agonizing over

thoughts were interrupted by Fay's

"Sylvia! Let's get going."

the workday was

restaurant is it? I'll

her snow-white coat, smirking. “No need. Ride with

but most of her colleagues

driven off. She could only smile politely.

way, Fay took a couple of weird turns, then gunned it

stomach drop as the.

el.n?

Car shot

forward, and she instinctively

clutched her seatbelt. s

her

in a cocky,

you the one who'll go after

steadied herself, then glanced sideways at Fay. "Have we met

just laughed and didn't

second later, she slammed on

the dashboard, only saved

burst out laughing. "You look kinda cute

hair, and said calmly, "Ms. Langley, you'd better come up with a good excuse. You're speeding, stopped in the middle of the road, and breaking about a dozen laws. This

before a police