Evan turned on some music while they ate. They tried chatting about inconsequential things, but soon ended up trailing off into silence. Esha’s death had shaken them both more than either was ready to admit.
When they gave up on eating and put the food away, Evan made them both mugs of coffee, then decided to add some Irish Cream liqueur to her mug. Max brought the last of the food over to put in the fridge and saw her doctoring her own mug.
“That looks good, can you fix me one?”
“Sure,” Evan replied and poured some into his mug as well.
They carried the cups into the living room and settled together on the couch, taking a few sips and just letting the music be the only noise for a little while.
“I know we should be working…” Max started to say.
“I think I need to just relax here a bit…” Evan began at the same time. They both stopped and grinned at each other, then Max waved his hand to Evan to go first.
“Yeah, we should be working – but I think I just need to relax here for a little while. That was one of the things I remembered about you. Being able to just sit and be together without needing to talk or do or whatever, y’know?” Evan said.
Max gave a nod. “And I remember that about you. We could both be reading something and you’d just reach out and press your foot against me and that’s all I needed. Simply acknowledging the connection we shared, without words.”
Evan’s stocking-clad feet were tucked up on the couch, so she slid one over and pressed it against his thigh.
“Yeah, like that,” Max said, his voice soft. He reached down and gently squeezed her ankle, then slowly slid his hand up her calf. He put his mug down and reached for hers to join his on the coffee table. Slowly, carefully, Max pulled her to him. “Tell me no,” he whispered as his face hovered above hers, “and I’ll stop right now.”
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