Page 67 of Blossoms of the Heart
One thing I loved about Mitsuke was that she could be blunt but she could also be kind. She knew talk of writing was something Candace could join in on.
“Writing is my life,” Candace agreed
“What are you working on now?” Phoebe asked.
“The magazine wants me to cover all the festivals but I was thinking of sneaking in a few pieces about your samurai. Tai said he could give me all the juice.”
“Oh cool.” Again Phoebe glanced at me.
I could have kicked myself. It was me who suggested she do that damn story. I was just trying to offer some inspiration.
“Yes, I guess that means I’m going to be attached to you like glue, mister.” Candace leaned into me, practically purring like a kitten. “Can’t accuse me now of not making time for you.”
Jesus Christ, she really was acting like we were together. Tension crept in again.
“That’s cute.” Phoebe again glanced at me. I knew exactly what she was thinking. That I was a complete asshole for being the way I was with her when I had a girlfriend. Except I didn’t have a girlfriend.
This was my damn fault.
“Phoebe, there must be aMister Phoebeback home. Youareincredibly beautiful. I will be shocked if you say no.”
The question I suppose was a standard one, but something flashed in Phoebe’s eyes that got to me.
Now I knew this girl from the dawn of our time. Eleven years might have passed without me seeing her but I had a lifetime prior to that to analyze her.
Something I recognized as pain flickered in her eyes. I recognized it for the contrast it made to the normal glint that would sparkle in her.
The last time I saw that look was when Rukia died. The next time I saw that look was that awful night eleven years ago when we last saw each other.
The look told me that she was deeply hurt. But tonight she was masking it.
Mister Phoebe.
Who was he and what did he do to my girl?
My girl…
She should have been.
“Nope, there’s no Mister Phoebe. Too busy.” Phoebe swallowed and bit the inside of her lip.
“Oh God, there’s no way you can be too busy to date.” Candace smirked.
Even Mitsuke looked uncomfortable at the direction the conversation had steered.
Something had happened that I didn’t know about and it had to do with this elusive Mr. Phoebe.
“You know what? I’m kind of full and beat,” Phoebe said. Her chair scraped against the floor as she pushed it back and stood to go. “We have to be at the cave early tomorrow so I’m gonna call it a night.”
“Oh I get it, and I don’t envy you. Caves are not me at all.” Candace gave her one of her dazzling smiles.
“Let me know if you need anything.” Akito offered. “The cookies should be just right in about an hour.”
She smiled at him then proceeded with a haste I recognized. She was upset.
It was Mitsuke who looked at me now but with a little irritation. I didn’t entertain the look. Candace was about to start another round of conversation but I got up before she could and went after Phoebe.
