Page 64 of Unruly
“But at night, when it’s quiet and the work is done, don’t you wish sometimes that you had somebody to talk to, cuddle with, maybe watch a movie with?”
“No,” he says, but I hear the lie in his voice.
He’s built up a defense, one that keeps him safe from wishing for things he believes he can’t have.
And that’s understandable.
I’d probably do the same thing in his position.
“We should really focus on work,” he says.
“Sure, we can do that. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“You didn’t. It’s just…” He gazes up at me. “I don’t have the energy to think about things that don’t matter, things that will never happen. My work keeps me busy and satisfied, and it’s enough. It’s always been enough.” A faint smile plays on his lips. “But you, Borja. You’re still young and vibrant. You can fall in love. You have a chance.”
“I guess so, but like you said, it’ll be harder now, and it wasn’t exactly easy before.”
“One of my Chasers, his name is Wilder. He was single for many, many years, and never had any inkling of falling in love or settling down. But he did. He met someone, and it changed everything for him. If it can happen for Wilder, it can happen for anyone.”
“Then by that logic, it could even happen for you.”
He glances away again, and I take that as my cue to drop the subject.
“I’m gonna go take a shower and get dressed. Help yourself to coffee.”
“Thank you.”
I walk away with my mind whirling with thoughts. Of course, I’m not in love with Farnsworth, but I certainly like him a lot, and last night was fire. Underneath that uptight exterior is a very passionate man dying to be let out.
Maybe this is all temporary, and once the mission is done, I’ll never see him again, but I’ll enjoy it while I can.
It’s enough for now.
Chapter 17
Farnsworth
Across the street from the gallery is a diner where Borja and I have been for several hours, waiting for the day to start. The gallery doesn’t open until ten, so after the sun to rose, we came here to have breakfast and coffee.
The patrons are an interesting mix of people dressed in smart business clothes and others in much more casual wear. Borja explained that this area is part of a renovation and that’s why there are so many construction workers.
I sip my coffee, aware of how enjoyable it is and how it gives me just a hint of my former life. I lived a nice enough existence, my father was affluent and therefore we could afford some of the luxuries of life, but I don’t recall food and beverages being as flavorful as they are now.
“We should probably get a plan together for what we’re going to say if we find Michael.”
I glance up, watching Borja finish his pancakes. “Yes, of course. We’ll need to carefully figure out what he already knows or believes. If we start talking about haunted objects right away, he might have an unpleasant reaction.”
“I would.” He chuckles, leaning back in his seat. “Did you like your food?”
I glance down at my plate, mostly empty now. I ordered an omelet and toast and found them both to be delightful. “Yes. Though I will say I’m awfully full. I don’t remember the last time I ate so much.”
“Down in the Revival House, you don’t need to eat or drink?”
“No. My body slows itself down there and doesn’t require the same sustenance. I don’t need to sleep much either. I do enjoy a nice cup of tea though, when I’m reading.”
“I don’t think I’d like that. I enjoy food. Finding new restaurants or dishes to explore is fun.”
“I see the allure.” I glance out the window. “There’s a lot to enjoy up here.”
