AROUND THE HEART IN 80 DAYS

Twenty Three

"I appreciate. I honestly do." Edrei said when his 'roommate' set the carton down. And he honestly did appreciate. It had been a while since someone visited him when work related issues weren't involved. 

"Thank you. I'm the one who should be appreciating rather. You honestly helped. And it's just my small way of showing gratitude."

Victor gently pushed the lid upward to take a peek. "You're joking." His eyes went wide and he pulled the entire lid off. "I know these, they're those...uh...M&M cookies, you're kidding!" The man actually took up a piece.

Edrei only shook his head. His attention flew back to Jacqueline. "But you do know we stay under the same roof. You could have waited."

"Pardon me, I couldn't wait. I was really excited. And so I packed up enough for your colleagues. I hope it's enough." Her hands rested on her hips and she exhaled. He guessed today must have been exhausting for her. He felt proud. At least all her dreams unfurled.

"I'll have them know."

"I finally met 'the' Jacqueline. What a great day. I have heard so... plenty." Victor turned to his friend. "And she's not all bad. Makes a decent cookie."

"Well she also does wellness and all that." Edrei wished she had her lush hair down so he could boast of that too.

A selfish thought immediately sprang up in his head. No. He preferred to keep the hair information to himself.

"You're into wellness? That's fitness -" Victor started.

"Yoga. I just started work at the community center in our estate. Three days a week."

"You should use the gym down there too Edrei."

"I'm too busy for that."

"Now now Rideau, I come to work earlier than you do and I never miss my hour cardio." Victor relaxed into the cushioned stretch.

"I told him before," Jacqueline squeaked, as if she wasn't sure if it was safe to be loud in their office. "I advice him to come over at the center. I just want to help."

Edrei didn't look up. "She goes by seven."

"I go by six." Victor chimed annoyingly. Edrei nearly gritted. Victor sure as hell did not go by six.

Her hands knotted behind her back, a shifty grin playing on her face. She did look just a little bit tired.

"I'll meet you at home. It's almost four. You go and get some rest, I'll be there soon." He raised his eyes to her again, his own smile soft and reassuring. He should never forget that he was the bigger person. Mature. Strong. And not a whiny cry-baby. Like the baby ballerina she saw in him. 

"See you then. Bye sir." She referred to Victor and took her leave. Edrei instantly pressed the button on the receiver. "Deuce."

Deuce came walking in shortly. He motioned to the box. "For the department. My friend's treat."

From the corner of his eye he caught Victor waiting eagerly to pounce violently on that word. Deuce hadn't even fully left the office before Victor took the chance.
"Friend. My goodness. How long was I away. If I recalled, she was the mortal enemy. The sister of your rival. Your German blockade. The thorn in your side. You nearly broke her arms-"

"Send me a list instead." Edrei waved him off.

Victor laughed. He legit threw his head back. "Rebecca is such a queen. She is the real boss in this game. She paired 'you' with 'that' woman. 'That woman' with 'you'. Are you seeing this Jacqueline properly? The two of you. Only. One roof. In the cold, dark nights. No way, no way you people are not going to have sex. No bloody way, I bet my soul. I bloody bet it. Wait. That's if you two haven't already-"