WILL
Ishut my computer for the day with a sigh. Today was unbearably dull. After spending those few days in the company of Sophie, it’s difficult to dive back into my work routine … even if said work is for Sophie, too.
“Busy day, Bill?” Rob asks upon hearing my sigh. He’s been working in my office for the day to get my thoughts on another project from time to time.
“Nah.” I shrug and pack my stuff in my satchel, avoiding Rob’s gaze.
“Got any big weekend plans?” he says.
“Not really,” I reply. I’ve already blocked the entirety of Saturday to spend with Rachel. Karan took me up on my suggestion and is taking the twins out for the day to give Rachel some space on our mother’s birthday.
Remembering my manners, I add: “Got any plans of your own tonight?” I don’t particularly care, but part of this job is maintaining civil relationships with my coworkers.
“Actually, yes,” he pipes up, his salt and pepper coils bouncing on the top of his head when he straightens his back excitedly. “The husband and I are going to see the Garden ofLights. It’s the perfect time to go; the sun’s setting early enough for it to be dark, but the evenings aren’t ridiculously cold yet.”
A knot forms in my chest. The Garden of Lights is one of Rachel and Océane’s favourite autumn activities in the city. They go together every year. And every year, they’ve invited me to tag along.
I’ve always said no.
“Nice,” I say flatly. “Hope you have fun.” I don’t lock eyes with him, hoping he won’t see the twinge of shame that lit me up just for a moment.
“We will! Say hi to Rachel for me,” Rob says as I’m headed out the door.
“Will do, Rob.”
I shove the thought of the Garden of Lights aside and think about Rachel instead. I go to my sister’s house every Thursday evening for dinner. We’ve done this ever since the twins were born four years ago.
At first, I was the one who brought groceries and who would cook Rachel and Karan a good meal so they could take a moment to recover. But since then, it’s evolved into Rachel or Karan making me elaborate meals with me not being allowed to touch anything in the kitchen. Rachel keeps saying I’ve ‘done enough to help,’ but in all honesty, I think she’d rather I give them a break from the kids while she or Karan cooks.
I don’t mind either way. I adore these kids like they’re my own.
But yesterday, I asked her if we could do our usual dinner tonight instead. I didn’t know how late I’d end up staying at Sophie’s place. Plus, I can just sleep at their house and be there with Rachel on Saturday morning.
Rachel and her family live in Westmount, so it’s a quick five-minute metro ride from work in the core of downtown to their condo. I get off at Atwater station and walk toward their place,keeping my corduroy jacket open while I do. It’s an unusually warm day for late October, and there’s so little wind that almost none of the red, orange, and golden leaves atop the trees lining the streets fall across my vision.
Rachel’s condo is on the second floor of a triplex, fronted by the familiar winding stairs that are so typical of Montréal. I’ve barely made it up the stairs and gotten ready to ring the doorbell when the door opens.
Cayce stands in the doorway with a big, toothy smile. “I saw you from the window!” he chimes before giving me space to walk in.
No sooner have I walked indoors and shut the door behind me than his brother Corey comes running up to me. I catch him in flight and scoop Cayce with him in my arms. “How do you boys get taller every single time I see you? I see you guys all the time!”
“I eat all my veggies,” Cayce responds. “But Corey doesn’t.”
“Hey, that’s not true!”
“Settle down, boys.” Rachel’s voice echoes further down the hallway. Both twins freeze in my arms at the sound of their mother’s voice. I look up and see Rachel walking up to me, her long chestnut hair gathered up in a messy bun. She’s wearing the Thursday dinner apron, even though it’s Friday, which means she’s the one handling dinner tonight. From the looks of it, she’s using flour in whatever she’s making.
I put the boys down and meet Rachel for an embrace. Apart from Matt, who’s out of the equation now anyways, Rachel has always been my best friend. She and I are much closer in age than Océane. While we’re two years apart, Océane arrived a full decade after Rachel.
I’m especially happy to see Rachel tonight. There’s a lot on my mind, and I’m sure her feminine wisdom could help me out a ton.
I hold our embrace for a bit longer than usual. Rachel notices right away. As she pulls away, her green eyes squint at me with a curious look. “You look like you’ve had a long day.”
“You could say that.” I take off my boots, and she gives me a soft smile.
“Well, you’ll need to tell me all about it. But I need to go check on my pasta.” She rushes back down the hall into the kitchen and dining room. Karan crosses her as he exits and taps her ass lightly, eliciting a giggle from her.
“Hey, Will,” he greets me. When Rachel is out of earshot, he leans in closer and continues, “Thank you. Seriously.”
