Page 8 of Strings Attached

"Really?" Lilian asks, recovering quickly. "That's wonderful! I'll put you and Miri down for the couples' kite flying competition."

"Couples' what now?" Mireille sputters, her cheeks flushing pink.

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling awkward. "I'm sure that's not necessary-"

"Nonsense!" Lilian interrupts with a glint in her eyes. "It'll be fun! Plus, you two already work so well together, I'm sure you'll be naturals at tandem kite flying."

I glance at Mireille, who looks as flustered as I feel. Part of me wants to backtrack, to bow out of this ridiculous situation. But another part, a part I'm not entirely comfortable acknowledging, is intrigued by the idea of spending time with Mireille outside of work in a more relaxed setting.

"Well," I say, trying to maintain my usual composure, "if Mireille is willing, I suppose we could give it a try."

Mireille's eyes widen in surprise. "I... yes, of course. If you're sure, Evander."

Lilian claps her hands together, beaming. "Excellent! The event is this Saturday at Starlight Bay Beach. Be there at ten am sharp. I'll have your kites ready!"

With that, she bustles out of the office, leaving Mireille and me in a somewhat awkward silence.

"So," Mireille says finally, a small smile playing on her lips. "Kite flying, huh? I never would have pegged you for the type."

I shrug, feeling oddly defensive. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mireille."

"Clearly," she says, her smile widening. "I'm looking forward to finding out more."

There's something in her tone, something warm and inviting, that makes my heart rate pick up slightly. I clear my throat, trying to regain my professional demeanor.

"Yes, well. It's for a good cause, after all. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to finish."

Mireille nods, still smiling. "Of course. I'll get back to work too. But Evander?"

I pause at my office door. "Yes?"

"Thank you for agreeing to this. I know that Lilian does a lot for the children’s hospital and it means a lot."

I find myself returning her smile. "We'll see about that. Just don't expect me to be any good at it."

She laughs, a sound that sends an unexpected warmth through me. "Don't worry, I'll be there to keep you from getting tangled up in the strings."

As I close my office door behind me, I can't help but think that I might already be tangled up in something far more complicated than kite strings. And for once, I'm not entirely sure I want to extricate myself.

I sit back down at my desk, trying to focus on the email I was writing before this interruption. But my mind keeps wandering to thoughts of Saturday—standing on the beach with Mireille, attempting to fly a kite together. It's so different to what we usually do, how we usually are together that I’m not sure what to make of it. And yet, there's a part of me that's looking forward to it. A part that wants to see Mireille outside of work and see what she’s like while relaxed.

As I try to refocus on my work, a loud crash from outside my office makes me jump. I'm on my feet instantly, striding to the door and yanking it open.

"Mireille?" I call out, my heart racing.

She's sprawled on the floor beside her desk, surrounded by a broken glass and what looks like the remnants of a potted plant. My stomach drops when I see her cradling her arm, her face contorted in pain.

"I'm fine," she says through gritted teeth, but I can see she's anything but.

I'm at her side in an instant, kneeling down next to her. "What happened?"

She winces as she tries to move. "I was trying to water the plant, and I lost my balance. It's nothing, really. I'm just clumsy as usual."

But as she attempts to stand, she lets out a sharp gasp of pain. I instinctively reach out to steady her, my hand on her waist.

"You're not fine," I say firmly. "Let me see your arm."

Reluctantly, she extends her arm towards me. Even through her sleeve, I can see swelling starting to form.

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