Page 61 of Things We Do for Love and Science
Gabriel opened his mouth, but no words came out.
“Ah well, then, enjoy the party.” Johnny shrugged and wandered off.
Someone opened the balcony door, and Gabriel welcomed the fresh air even though the cold draft made him shiver. Delia weaved her way to him with a beer in each hand.
“I got you a lager. I hope that’s all right.” She handed him one of the opened bottles.
“Perfect, thank you.” He took a sip, and the cool, hoppy liquid eased down his throat. “Mm, not bad.”
“You should see the drinks selection in the kitchen, the number of different lagers alone.” She smiled. “I picked the one with the nicest label.”
“Well chosen. I like the taste.”
“So do I.” She touched his elbow in passing, and his body hummed.
Bottles in hand, they did a tour of the room as she introduced him to some of her colleagues. Small talk was mainly conducted by shouting over the loud music. A few people studied him with scarcely concealed interest.
Some brave souls were dancing between the sofa and the TV. The whole flat was quite bare. Sandra had made serious progress in packing up her stuff for the great move.
After a while, Delia excused herself and headed to the loo, and Gabriel rested against the wall, waiting. Being in limbo was getting to him. He’d imagined he’d be able to keep it casual, the way she insisted. But lately he’d realized, he wasn’t made that way.
When she returned, they drank the rest of their beers in silence.
She put her empty bottle on the nearest table. “Let’s get out of here.”
“You’re sure you don’t want to stay a little longer? Don’t feel you have to leave on my account.”
“You know me, I’m not a raging extrovert, and I see most of these people daily anyway.” The corners of her mouth quirked up. “Sandra won’t miss us; she’s in the kitchen snogging the face off some hot guy. Also, this music is doing my head in.”
Gabriel laughed and took her hand. “Allow me to escort you to my chariot.”
In the car, he stole the occasional glance at Delia. Heat kindled in his chest. Already half-asleep, she snuggled against the window of the Rover, the picture of contentment. He needed to stop lying to himself. There was nothing casual about their relationship. It was as real as any he’d ever been in.
He dragged a hand over his face. This was mind bending. Could she really be impervious to their emotional connection? He halted the car, then checked his watch. It was late, and he needed to get home. But first, he’d see her to her flat.
“Oh, blessed silence.” She dropped her handbag to the floor in the hallway and shook off her coat, while he hovered in the doorway. She looked at him. “You’re welcome to stay if you want.”
“I’m a bit tired. I was going to go straight to bed.” He couldn’t have sex with her tonight when his feelings were in such turmoil.
“Ah, no, I meant just to sleep. I’m way too wrecked for anything else. We can tackle another attempt at procreation in the morning.” She held out her hand. He took it and stepped over the threshold.
