Twisted Rope

Reconciliation

New York Saturday

Seri woke up. She could tell it was early, but she was disorientated by the time difference. Last night at the reception, she had managed to keep going, socialising with the other guests. She had felt exhausted, but determined to be at his side. After all the stress and worry, she hadn't wanted to let him down any more than she already had. He'd kept his promise, and they had escaped as soon as they could, though. By the time they were back at the hotel, she didn't think she had ever craved sleep as much. He too had looked drained after his anxious day and the performance. They had sunk into bed and he had cradled her in his arms and she had felt so safe, and more at peace than she had for months. Sleep had come easily last night. Yet here she was, wide awake early in the morning.

Jeong-hyeok was still fast asleep. She watched his face for a while. He looked relaxed and peaceful. She still loved the strength and sensitivity in his face. He looked a little older than when she first knew him, just a hint of grey near his ears, maybe a few lines, but still very handsome. He's ageing well, she thought. Careful not to disturb him, she got up and went into the sitting area of the suite. She made herself a coffee and looked out of the window at the Manhattan skyline. It was going to be a beautiful day, and she felt optimistic. They hadn't had a proper talk yesterday, there hadn't been time. But it was clear that they both wanted to be together and to open up and share. There would be time later for that, and the way he was behaving was reassuring.

She finished her coffee and went to pick up her laptop, almost automatically. She stopped and looked at it. For the first time in months, she didn't really want to think about her work. She placed it on the desk and looked out of the window again. The edge of her robe was satin-like ribbon, and she slid it between her fingers. It felt cool and comforting, helping her to think. After a while, she turned back to the desk and sat down, opening her laptop.

Now it's time to show this project who's boss.

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Jeong-hyeok came into the sitting room. He saw Seri sitting at the desk with her laptop and he felt disappointed immediately. Surely she wasn't going to work today? This would be their only opportunity to spend time together. He walked over to the coffee machine and poured himself a cup.
"Hello, couldn't you sleep?"

He kept his tone light. He didn't want to start an argument, not now she was here and there was the chance to sort things out.

She closed the laptop and smiled at him, a brilliant smile.

"No, I'm still out of sync. And don't worry, I'm not working!" She stood up and walked over to him and put her hands on his waist.

"I've stood down the project. I'm not going back on Monday."

"Really? That's wonderful!"

"Yes, and I've just messaged Manager Hong and the team. I've told them all to take an extra week off. I've been pushing everyone really hard as well as myself, so they need a break to be with their families, too."

"Oh Seri, thank you. I'm sure they'll appreciate it."

"I thought you'd be pleased. I had so much time to think on the plane and I realised it felt like the project was running me rather than the other way round. Well, I'm not going to let that happen anymore."

She smiled up at him and then kissed him. He deepened their kiss, pulling her into an embrace. As he did, she slid one arm inside his robe and around his waist, loosening his robe so he could hold her closer still. As he pressed kisses around her face, he slid his fingers through her silky hair and stroked down the length of her back. It felt wonderful to have her in his arms like this again. Wonderful to feel that she wanted to be with him.