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

and

unreadable as he watched Reese smile. He got into the car without

in

worried you didn't have an umbrella, so I asked the driver to wait for you." Rupert shot the driver

obviously not wanting

turned to Reese,

cool. "Reese, the car's wheels never left

st. dry way

left. Look I'll make good on

pale, and she nearly spilled the milk in

what you mean. I just... I didn't

Rupert murmured, glancing at her. There

out the window, absently rubbing his wedding

covered her own ring

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

to the parking lot when she saw

closed his umbrella and, with familiar ease, took hers as well,

a sip of her coffee, trying to

his lips together. "Do you

eyebrow. "Is there

softly. "Tristan's probably not sick