Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia snapped back to reality and nodded. “Yeah, let's go."

She reached for the car door, but Lester gently pulled her back to face him.

"Sylvia, it's okay. You don't have to hide how you feel. I get it—you need time."

She shook her head, serious. "No, really, you're misunderstanding. I just don't want to get involved with the Garcia family anymore, that's all."

Lester hummed in understanding, holding the door so she could get in first.

Back at her apartment, Sylvia needed to prep for her evening interview, so she didn't ask Lester to stay.

He lingered a little, standing in front of her, then slowly leaned in.

Sylvia knew what he was about to do. She tensed, halfway raising her hand to stop him. But then she remembered he was her boyfriend. She let her hand drop.

Lester paused, then kissed her gently on the forehead. "Good luck."

Sylvia smiled, nodding, and watched him go.

Once inside, she slumped onto the couch, zoning out. Her mind was a mess, replaying that moment at the coffee machine with Rupert. She kept trying to push it away, but the look on his face kept haunting her.

that she realized she'd walked in without changing her shoes. Wet footprints trailed across the hardwood floor, half-dried

mop it up, but the water stains wouldn't come out. After several attempts, she could still make out the faint outlines. Frustrated for no

pull herself together before

easy to talk to. They showered Sylvia with compliments, calling

about design ideas. The two interviewers weren't just teachers—they'd

if she didn't get the job, Sylvia felt lucky

smiled. “You and your boyfriend must

paused, immediately thinking of

wonder she'd

you,” Sylvia replied, already planning to

other woman

so

much, though. If he smited more he'd be

charming." s

interview was over, they started making small

To double-check, she pulled out her phone

photo of Lester.

he's good-looking, but the guy we met on video wasn't

her phone. She swiped, pulling up a picture

the