He squinted. “Yes. It’s my job.” *** She stayed awake for quite a while, still and quiet besides him.
(Switch!) Beck was in her apartment several weeks later, her hair tied back and a bottle of wine on the counter. *** Gideon was at work, his brows furrowed in irritation as he typed quickly on the keyboard.
There was a knock on her door. Levy waited patiently outside. *** Veronica gently opened the door, tilting her head as she peeked in. "I made you some coffee."
Beck opened the door, her whole face brightening. “Levanin. Hi.” *** He looked up distractedly, but she could tell he was happy to see her. “Are you going to spill it on me?”
His shoulders relaxed. "Beck. I missed you." *** She came in, setting it to the side. "Hm. Maybe next time."
She laughed slightly, stepping forward and taking his hand. “I missed you too... want to come in?” *** He looked up at her, leaning back in his chair. “Tease.”
He nodded, coming in. "Yeah, thanks." *** She grinned at him, leaning forward and brushing a hand through his hair before starting towards the door again. "Don't stress too much."
She went over to the counter, leaning back. “Are you okay?” *** “Me?” he asked dully, sitting up and returning to his work. “I would never.”
He sighed, folding his arms. "I'm okay. I just wanted to let you know I have a business trip coming up." *** She looked back at him at the door. "Don't make me worry, now."
She had a good poker face, but she paused for a split second pulling out wine glasses. “Oh?” she said after a moment. “For how long?” *** He gave her a wolfish grin. “Are we still on for dinner tonight?”
He noticed the pause, his eyes thoughtful. "Just a couple of days." *** She looked as if she were thinking about it before giving him a smile. "Definitely. See you."
She set the glasses on the counter, falling silent for a moment. “I see.” She looked up at him, her lips pursed. “I’ll miss you.” *** He grinned, watching her leave before returning to work, his shoulders not so slumped.
She fell silent, pouring him a glass of wine and considering him. "What will you be doing?" * * * (Yoop!)
"Mostly meetings," he said, leaning against the counter. "Not much else." *** Veronica had gone back to her shop after doing her interviews. She sat at the counter, flipping through a book about plants.
She tilted her head, swirling the wine in her glass. "When do you leave?" * * * There came a knock at her door.
