She wandered through the halls without paying attention to the lights and shadows playing around her, seeking Olivia instead.
Jaime’s steps slowed when she saw her standing in front of an art piece displaying superimposed images of people and their shadows. The figures seemed to blur and blend into one another, the shadows stretching and distorting into abstract shapes, creating a sense of both connection and distance between them.
The interplay of light against the shifting forms gave the piece an almost ethereal, dreamlike quality, as if the figures could slip away at any moment.
“Fancy meeting you here, Counselor,” Jaime whispered close to Olivia’s ear, suppressing a smile when Olivia started and spun around to face her.
“Jaime.” Olivia smiled. “Hi.” She sounded almost breathless. “What do you think of the exhibit?”
Jaime’s brows furrowed. She refused to admit she’d paid no attention to the art. “Impressive.”
“Isn’t it? This piece especially. The way the shadows stretch, it’s like they move.”
“Want to walk around?”
Olivia nodded, and they meandered through the hall, pausing at various pieces and discussing them further.
Jaime found herself oddly tongue-tied, both enthralled by Olivia’s smart and insightful commentary and on the lookout for an escape.
“Am I boring you?” Olivia asked. “I didn’t mean to prattle on, but I just…”
“Really love art?”
“Yeah.”
Olivia seemed almost bashful, and Jaime had to avert her gaze. She didnotfind her adorable.
“You don’t?”
“Oh, I do. Though I prefer modern art, like Picasso’sOwl.” Olivia’s openness and her easy access to her emotions, her passions, to sharing them, mesmerized Jaime.
Olivia held her gaze. “Yes, I can see you’d like line art.”
Jaime chuckled. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“It’s an observation, Your Honor.” Olivia smiled and slightly bumped into Jaime before striding ahead toward the next art piece.
Jaime expelled a harsh exhale before striding after her. Olivia really needed to stop calling her that.
A little later, Jaime stood in silence, watching Olivia study yet another piece, her mind still half-focused on their previous conversation.
“You know,” Olivia started, turning slightly toward Jaime, rubbing the hem of her dress, “there’s this bookstore I like to frequent. It’s a bit smaller, but they have a cozy little reading nook with bean bag chairs.” She tilted her head. “I might stop by next Saturday. I like to get there around four.”
Jaime’s breath hitched, but she kept her expression neutral. “Sounds like a nice place.”
“It is. Although someone with impeccable taste might want to inspect it to form a final judgment. Know anyone like that?”
Jaime’s lips twitched. “What’s the name of this wondrous place?”
“Cassiopeia and the Gray Men.”
This time, Jaime couldn’t suppress her laughter, and she released a rough chuckle.
Olivia grinned, seeming way too pleased with herself.
a lingering touch
Oliviaenteredthebookstoreright before four and released a heavy sigh.
