Suzie’s House 445 : Sophie’s Coffee and a Newspaper

Sophie carried her coffee and newspaper to the recliner with a limp. She had a blister at the back of her heel from her new shoes. Luckily she had today and tomorrow off to let it heal. It felt good to simply relax for once. Though she loved her job, she wouldn’t mind a little more time to herself.

She’d taken no more than a couple of sips and turned a page before Ethan came into the living room. His astonished glance turned hateful. He opened his mouth to say something that would most likely be intended to force her from his favorite chair. She felt her jaw tighten. She wasn’t about to move for him. Not anymore.

Before the words could come out, that weird friend of his, Gabriel came up behind him and cleared his throat.

“Oh. Sorry.” Ethan moved out of the way.

Sophie went back to her paper. A minute or two later the smell of toast wafted to her, and Ethan sat on the couch. Sophie put her paper down.

“You really aren’t going to leave again, are you.” If she sounded grudging, it was no more than he deserved for toppling the little house of cards that had been their life together.

He chewed, and swallowed before answering in an equally dry voice. “No. I’m not.”

“Do you intend to sit around the house all day doing nothing?”

“Actually, I have a job interview in,” He turned his wrist and pulled back his sleeve to reveal his watch. “One hour.”

“Wow. What a marvel.” She was sincerely surprised that she hadn’t thought of it before. Of course he wouldn’t just sit around the house forever. She supposed it was too much to expect him to start cleaning. Although he was pretty good about doing the dishes, he still seemed to be terrified of the vacuum.

He darted an annoyed glance her way, but didn’t say anything around his toast.

“And how long is Gabriel planning on staying?”

“Gabriel is leaving today,” Said Gabriel, with an emphasis on his own name. He had a cell phone up to his ear. “Sorry, Ethan, but I really do have to go now.”

“It’s fine.” Ethan waved him off. “Thanks for the ride. And… everything.”

“Stay in touch.” The weird guy went down the hall toward the bedrooms.

Well, that was one less problem to worry about. Not that she minded playing hostess, but she didn’t have time anymore. So funny. A year ago she would have insisted on knowing everything about him and been as gracious as she would manage. Now, she picked up her newspaper and sipped her coffee, and counted herself lucky for one less intrusion on her precious private time.

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