"It's my own fault, Craw," she said easily. "I'm just sorry you have to work so much. Is there anything I can do?"
"Damn promotion," she said with a sunny grin. She stood on her toes to kiss his cheek as they got to the ground floor. "By the way, I'm really proud of you for all that," she said. "Nice work."
"I'm glad to hear it," she said. "I was worried you'd perseverate on the main problem at that time.."
"Good." They got to the main door, where a taxi sat outside waiting patiently, and Poppy turned to look at him. "So, I may not see you tomorrow, but I'll see you soon, right?"
"See you soon," she said, letting go of his hand and stepping back. "Thank you for spending the day with me."
"Of course," he said. "It was nice." With that, he stepped in and closed the door, the taxing leaving only moment's later.
She watched him leave, her arms crossed over her chest, before turning to go upstairs, frowning as her ribs complained. When she returned to her room, she closed the door behind her and stretched before going to feed Tom. She sent Francis a message while he ate. "I miss you already. Let me know when you get home so I know you're safe, okay?"
Poppy was walking along the sidewalk, dressed in a cream blouse with a simple pair of jeans. She was adjusting her watch with a frown, trying to fix the settings, but she glanced up as she approached the cafe, and she grinned when she saw him. "Hey, you," she said easily, kissing his cheek when she got close enough.
