“Quite the opposite. Tammy said she’d only consider the campaign if you’re working on it.”
“What? Does she know I’m playing strategist? That I’ll write a brief, maybe attend research and, at best, give feedback at the creative presentations?”
“Nope.”
Orchid returned his sly grin. “Maybe you’re not so nice after all.”
“There,” he said, “all cleaned up.” He lifted her foot for her to admire his handiwork.
She twisted her knee to see, then regretted the move. Fresh droplets oozed from the gash and her stomach clenched. She squeezed her eyes shut. “I’ll take your word for it.”
Behind shut lids, she could feel strong hands snugging gauze around her foot. One final tug, and then his weight settled on the cushion next to her.
“I’m sorry I forgot about your kryptonite,” he said.
She opened her eyes and saw him studying her. “Ridiculous, as usual.” She aimed for joking self-deprecation. Her undertone sounded sad instead.
“Only during hip-hop class.”
“Which won’t be any time soon,” she said, the realization hitting her as the words sprang from her mouth.
“We can fatten you up meanwhile. Can I order vegetarian takeout for us? Indian? Thai? Italian?”
He kept surprising her. “How’d you become an expert in vegetarian cuisines? Actually, I could use a bathroom,” she said.
“Of course. The men’s room is right this way.” He waved towards a closed door behind the sofa.
“Will you ever let me forget that mistake?”
“I think that inside joke’s good for a few decades, at least.”
Orchid groaned as Phoenix helped her stand. She placed her weight on her left heel and limped towards the direction he’d indicated. A few decades? They’d known each other less than a month and he was talking about a lifetime.
“Take your time. I’m going to grab a quick shower. Unless you want sweaty me in the car with you.”
“Go shower. Or else you won’t live downsweaty youfor a good few decades.”
Phoenix laughed as he sauntered out of the room.
The powder room was immaculately outfitted in gray-veined marble and brushed gold hardware. The mirror surprised her with good news: her windblown hair had survived the day. Plus, she’d been a help with Tammy after all. She washed her hands and returned feeling refreshed.
The room was empty. Water drummed overhead. Bandaged now, she could manage her uneven gait, so she carried the cloths and bowl to a sunny oversized kitchen. She pictured him on the second floor, in a rainfall shower for two. She shook her head at the image as she rinsed the fabric in cold water.
By the time the water ran clear, she’d concluded that her imagination was wandering into unhealthy territory. She turned off the tap, then wrung out the washcloth and left everything neatly piled in the sink. In the cabinet underneath, she located a plastic bag.
She limped back to clean up the wrappers and ruined tee-shirt. She packed up the first aid kit. The photo-shoot ready room looked exactly as when they’d arrived.
Along the bookshelf, framed images showcased smiling faces. In one photo, a plump woman, burly gentleman and tousle-haired boys posed together with a young Phoenix and Caleb. Another picture revealed a grown-up Phoenix peering up at a tomboyish woman.Was this Tish?Orchid’s button nose and rounded cheeks seemed soft compared to the woman’s angled features.
Phoenix cleared his throat behind her, and she nearly jumped.
“I was just admiring the peonies. They’re my favorite.” Orchid pointed at the vase of silk flowers on the shelf beside the family pictures.
“Not orchids?” he asked.
She wrinkled her nose. “Orchids are fine, as long as they’re not a gift for me.”
“Too obvious?” he guessed.
