More than Words by Harper Bliss

Author:Harper Bliss [Bliss, Harper]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-988-791-234-7
Publisher: Ladylit Publishing

Chapter Twenty-Two

Hera

Katherine knows most people here, which is good. The way she’s been busy talking to this and that person, tonight can hardly be construed as a date. I’ve had my fill of chit-chat for one evening and, as Katherine gets swallowed by the crowd more and more, I gravitate to the edge of it. I end up near the painting of the Opera House again and examine it in more detail.

“How about I replace the one you’ve been looking at above my head for years with that one.” I instantly recognize Jill’s voice.

“I think you might be too late.” I point at the little red dot that’s been stuck over the price.

“Oh well, guess you’ll have to make do with the same old abstract then.”

“Just as I’ve made do with you for so long,” I blurt out. I’ve not gone as easy on the free champers as someone who has to wake up at six the next morning should.

“It’s quite helpful for me to see you in a social situation,” Jill says. “It gives me more context to work with.”

I turn to face the crowd. Even though she’s not wearing red tonight, it’s always easy to spot Katherine. “What do you think of that particular piece of context then?”

“We only exchanged a few brief words, but Katherine seems thoroughly lovely. Very warm and engaging.”

“To be continued next Wednesday, I guess.” It must be the Champagne, but I can’t tear my gaze away from Katherine. There’s something so magnetic about her.

“You bet,” Jill says, and snaps me out of my thoughts about Katherine.

This is not a date—apart from Katherine driving me home later. Earlier, I was impressed with her driving skills. She’s very assertive yet polite in traffic, which is a trait not given to many. Of course, she may very well curse like a sailor when she’s alone in the car.

“I’m about to say my goodbyes, Hera. It was great seeing you,” Jill says.

“You’re leaving already?” I’m a little jealous of Jill. I wish I could slip out discreetly with her, but then I couldn’t keep watching Katherine as she mingles effortlessly.

“I’ve seen what I’ve come here to see. I’m not one to linger.” Jill turns to me. “Saying good night at these things is always a little awkward, isn’t it?” She tilts her head. “Peck on the cheek for your shrink?”

“Go on then.” I grab Jill by the shoulders and kiss her on the cheeks—a whole new way of saying goodbye to her—but I’ve had enough Champagne to not feel too self-conscious about crossing the invisible boundary we’ve always had between us.

“See you soon,” Jill says. “Have a little fun tonight.”

Jill leaves me standing there on my own, my gaze, once again, only drawn to one person.

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