Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia heard the voice and looked past Rupert. Reese was waving from the other end of the cozy little café.

"Sylvia," Reese called, smiling.

Sylvia nodded in reply, catching out of the corner of her eye that Rupert, instead of ordering coffee, had chosen a steaming mug of hot milk.

People like Reese, who had to take medication, probably couldn't drink coffee.

How thoughtful, Sylvia thought.

Her phone chimed with a notification, and she reached out to grab her own coffee from the counter.

"I'll leave you guys to it," she said, turning to go.

"Sylvia, try not to drink too-" Rupert called out, holding his milk.

"Mr. Rupert! Come on, hurry up, the rain's getting heavier!" Reese interrupted, her voice carrying over Rupert's.

Sylvia glanced back at Rupert, suspicion flickering in her eyes, just as if she was waiting for him to finish. But then her phone rang-it was Lester.

"Sylvia, I'm downstairs. Where are you?"

"I just popped in to grab a coffee. I'll be right there," she replied, hanging up.

She and Rupert exchanged a knowing look, then both turned and walked off in different directions, as if by silent agreement.

rounded the corner, she glanced back

him with a happy smile, saying something that made her face light

her gaze away and headed straight

face remained unreadable as he watched Reese smile.

at the steaming cup in

the car, she quickly explained, "I saw the rain coming down hard, and I was worried you didn't have an umbrella, so I asked the driver to wait for you." Rupert shot the

ahead, obviously not wanting

turned to Reese,

the car's wheels never left

st. dry way

almost dry You never left. Look I'll make good on what I owe you, but please

turned pale, and she nearly spilled the milk in

it like that, okay? I know what you mean. I just... I didn't want you to misunderstand. You

murmured, glancing at her.

absently rubbing his

covered her own ring with her

walked away, Reese watched his back, knowing he wouldn't be coming home

made it to the parking lot when she saw

took

of her coffee, trying

his lips together. "Do you want

an eyebrow. "Is there a

softly. "Tristan's probably not sick at