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.

the corner, she glanced back at

happy smile, saying something that made her face

gaze away and headed straight for the parking

watched Reese smile. He got into the car

in her hands, her smile

hard, and I was worried you

stared straight ahead, obviously not

turned

"Reese, the car's wheels never left

st. dry way

dry You never left. Look I'll make good on what I

pale, and she nearly spilled the

just... I didn't

murmured, glancing at her. There was

the window, absently rubbing his wedding ring, his expression

this, Reese covered her own

away, Reese watched his back, knowing he

the parking lot when she saw Lester waiting for

ease, took hers as well, slipping an arm

took a sip of her coffee, trying to sound

his lips together. "Do you want the truth, or a

an eyebrow. "Is there

"Tristan's probably