She paused like after a fever breaks. The fever is exhausting and then it's gone and you feel hollow, but the hollowess is clean. She stirred something. Does that make sense? Perfect sense, he said.
James Okafor called me Friday, she said. After word got out about the board meeting, he said he heard I'd addressed it publicly. He said he said he was glad. She was quiet for a moment. He's consulting now.
His own thing. He seems happy. Actually happy. Another pause. I asked if he'd ever consider an advisory role with us, part-time, his terms completely.
She looked at Marcus over her shoulder. He said he'd think about it. That's good, Marcus said. It's the beginning of something, she said. Which is better than good?
Good is static. Beginning is movement. He looked at her. When did you get philosophical? I learned it from a contractor, she said.
The moment sat between them. Easy and real. And Marcus felt the thing he'd been feeling for weeks settle into something more specific and more honest. Not comfortable exactly, something better than comfortable. True.
The property's done next week, he said. She turned fully this time. I know. End of the professional contract. I know that, too.
She looked at him steadily. Is that what you're worried about? I'm not worried, he said. I'm He paused. I wanted to name it out loud.
That the reason I'm in this kitchen is about to change. The reason you're in this kitchen right now, she said carefully. Is that I invited you because I wanted you here. She held his gaze. The reason has already changed.
It changed a while ago. He looked at her. I'm not good at this, she said. I told you that. I'm practicing.
A pause. But I know what's real and I know what I want. She said the last part quietly directly without managing it. Marcus pushed off the counter. He walked the three steps across the kitchen until he was close not touching.