There's a longer pause before her next message arrives. When it does, I can practically hear the lowered, sultry strain in her simple words. And I regret just a little not taking her up on the call to listen for real instead of only imagining it.
K: [I'm glad. If I've helped.]
A slightly shuddering exhale leaves me rubbing my temple. I can't just let her think she was the solution to my problem. Whether it has been somewhat true or not, that gives her… too much leverage.
C: [You should go back to work.]
K: [I'd rather not. I'm stuck looking at a set of plans for three weeks out. Getting to chat with you has been the unexpected highlight of a drab day.]
My face feels warm but my lips turn down quickly. Three weeks… is when I'm supposed to go back to the clinic. Because of a pregnancy this body - this Helene - got itself into before I arrived.
> She doesn't know about that. Would she be turning on so much charm if she did? <
