Page 57 of Double Apex

I could use a walk—I’m a bit restless.She meets Viorica’s eye.If you’d like to go see the lake…

Viorica swallows the last of her brandy.I am tired as well. It’s been a long day.

Irini nods, twisting the stem of her glass where it sits on the chair arm.I should sleep. There is much to do tomorrow.She stands, and in a faltering gesture extends a hand to shake with me.Always a pleasure to see you.

She turns to Viorica and offers her hand. Viorica opens her palm and Irini lays her own atop it for a moment, then pulls it back and hurries inside.

I settle into the chair she vacated. Viorica is resting hereyes, and takes a slow, contented breath. I tap the back of her hand with a fingertip. “I suspect I am not the Ardelean who makes Domnisoara Petrescu blush,” I say just above a whisper, switching to English.

Her eyes snap open and she pins me with a stunned look. “Don’t be absurd.”

“I can’t believe I never noticed.” I shake my head, smiling. “It’s obvious.”

“No such thing.”

“Rica?”

“Mmm?” She examines the interior of her empty glass.

“Look at me.”

She rolls her eyes. “What?”

“I think this is not news to you—Irini’s affection.”

“She’s lonely,” Rica mutters. “That’s all.”

“That doesn’t dictate one’s romantic preferences.”

“Truly, I thought her admiration was pointed at you, until moments ago.”

Throwing a glance over my shoulder into the vacant room, I ask, “Now that things are clear, how do you feel?”

She closes her eyes again. “I’m flattered.”

“Flattered and interested?”

“Cosmin,” she says with a sigh. “Even if I were to… what is the word?” She waves a finger back and forth between us.

“Reciprocate?”

“Yes.Reciprocatesuch feelings, she is too young for me. And you know I don’t date—I’ve no time for such nonsense.” She lifts her hands. “My life is Vlasia House.”

I recline in the chair, staring at the bright stars overhead. Summer breeze rustles the trees, and the crickets saw out their music.

“Viorica. If you might find love—”

“Enough.” Her voice is hard, final. “I have a foundation to run. I’m too short on time for a social life.” After a pause, she quietly adds, “Short on time, short on money.”

I open my mouth to speak, defensive, but intuition tells me Rica is about to say more. I silence myself, waiting.

“Do you think we have magic elves here like Saint Nicholas?” Her tone is bleak. “The investments, grants, your money from Emerald… it keeps the ship sailing. But we lack the capital to expand.” She pauses. “It’s the reason I spoke further with Grigore.”

I glare at her. “Ce pusca mea? I knew it! That fucking monster Lupu.”

“Calm yourself,” Viorica snaps.

“I thought we were in agreement that—”

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