“Outward,” Athena said immediately. “Better for airflow.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“Julien,” she said, catching my hand. “Sit with me for a minute.”
“I should supervise.”
“They don’t need supervision. Sit.”
I sat.
Vivian stood. “I’m going to check on the bathroom progress.”
“You just want to watch Gavin work,” I said.
“Obviously.” She walked away without shame.
Athena shifted closer, her hand still holding mine. “You’re stressed.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. Your eye is twitching.”
“Everyone keeps mentioning that.”
“Because it’s very noticeable.” She squeezed my hand. “Talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Julien.”
I sighed. “They’re very... friendly.”
“The contractors?”
“Yes.”
“They are friendly. It’s nice.”
“It’s distracting.”
“From what?”
“From the work.”
“The work is progressing perfectly. We’re ahead of schedule.”
“I know.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
I didn’t answer.
She studied my face, and then her expression shifted to understanding. “Oh,” she said softly. “You’re jealous.”
“I’m not—”
“You are. You’re jealous because they’re friendly with me.”
