Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

If Sylvia didn't still have the keys in her hand, she would've thought she'd just

barged into someone else's house by mistake.

A moment later, Reese finally noticed her.

"Sylvia, hey-sorry if we startled you!"

"It's fine. Make yourselves comfortable, I'll get you something to drink."

Sylvia dropped her keys on the entryway table and bent down to pick up the groceries she'd just bought.

Lester walked right over and took the bags from her hands. "Let me help."

She didn't object, so the two of them headed into the kitchen together.

Back on the couch, Reese watched them go, then shot a sly smile at Rupert. "That's the first time I've seen my brother actually try to win a woman over."

Rupert glanced at her, his expression frosty and unreadable. Without a word, he got up and walked toward the kitchen.

Reese bit her lip and reached out, catching at his sleeve, but he slipped away before she could stop him.

All she could do was sit there, watching the kitchen door.

Inside, Sylvia stared at the kettle, her mind wandering.

at her and asked, "Where do you keep your

in time to see the water boiling over. She wiped it up quickly and set the kettle

saw that Lester hadn't noticed her little mishap, she breathed a sigh

she started, but before she could finish the sentence, someone else entered. Rupert

"Here."

reaching for the

eyes, silently

exasperated. "How long are you two planning to stand there

you've got your hands full.

about making

teapot, causing

wants to

Rupert said coolly, then took Sylvia by the arm and

back. "What the heck are you

to make tea-let him. Why are you here? Isn't it a little crowded?" Rupert

said, "See that door? Both

men to be bumping elbows every time they turned

set the teapot down and said gently, "Sylvia, call

voice low, "You've still got

spun around, ignoring

the arm, and