He woke a few hours later and looked at the pillow next to him.
Frowning when he saw she wasn't there he sat up quickly and looked for her case to find it had gone.
"What the...?"
They had an agreement to never leave to go anywhere without saying a proper goodbye first, no matter the time.
He leant over and picked up his phone calling her number. It rang out. He sent a message.
'You didn't wake me! X'
Iris stretched and looked at the time groaning. She had about an hour to get dressed and make her way to meet Zuri. She dragged herself out of bed, brushed her shoulder length hair behind her ears and put on her running gear.
"Morning! Looks like we have the same idea."
She laughed as she walked into the corridor to see Lin putting on his trainers.
He looked up at her and smiled.
"Well G'morning to you too. How did you sleep?"
"Really well thank you. I need to make a note of where your pillows are from, they're so comfortable."
He bent down to tie his shoes.
"Pretty sure they're just Target. You'll have to check with Gia though. She tends to do all the interior bits."
He stopped and muttered under his breath.
"If you can get hold of her."
Iris frowned slightly, picking up on his tone. Lin looked up and saw her concern. He shook his head quickly.
"Sorry! Ignore me. I'm just annoyed with myself that I slept through her alarm this morning. I need to get out for some fresh air. I'm getting ratty. Hence ...."
He gestured towards his running outfit.
"Where are you running?"
"I'm meeting my friend Zuri. We go together when we can. I need to get on the 'A' and meet her outside Luigi's."
Lin nodded.
"C'mon I'll walk down with you if you're ready?"
They left the apartment together and Iris sneaked a look at him as they walked, something seemed off.
His usual bright eyes and smile a little dulled. She tried some small talk.
"What do you fancy for dinner tonight?"
He shrugged.
"I really have no idea. Surprise me."
She nodded and hesitantly spoke.
"Lin, if you would rather I didn't stay when Gia isn't around it fine. I completely understand if you'd rather I go and return when she's back? Or not at all. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable in your own home."
He stopped and looked at her shaking his head.
"Crap, I'm sorry. My mood is nothing to do with anything you're doing. Do you know what. It will be lovely to not have to think about what I'm eating for a week and have nice healthy food just appear so I can concentrate on work. I'm probably not going to be much company though. I've got so much to get through. If you'd rather not stay then of course I'll understand."
The words tumbled out of his mouth
"I know it's a bit of an unusual set up. Honestly I'm good with whatever you decide to cook. I'm cranky because I missed Gia leaving this morning. She usually says goodbye but didn't. It's the first time she's gone in 12 years and not said anything... and now I'm rambling on and spilling my life story to you without you either asking or caring! I'm sorry."
Iris smiled and turned to him.
"Maybe she knew you needed the rest. I heard you playing till early hours this morning."
He sighed deeply and nodded.
"Yeah more than likely. Did I keep you awake? I'm sorry."
She shook her head quickly.
"No not at all! I love listening to you play. It's ...soothing and you have a lovely voice. Please, stop apologising. Sometimes it's easier to speak to a stranger."
He looked at her and smiled slowly.
"You might be changing your mind at the end of the week when you've heard the same few bars over and over while I'm channelling ideas and chewing your ear off. C'mon, I'll race you to the Subway."
He took off at a run.
"Hey! That's an unfair start!"
She caught up with him as they reached the top of the steps and looked at him breathing heavily and laughing.
"Jeez, I'm a lot more unfit than I thought I was!"
He turned to her, jogging on the spot as she reached in her pocket for her subway pass.
"I could've gone for another hour."
She looked at him and he met her gaze ".. and if you believe that you believe anything... TAXI!"
She laughed at him as he turned and started to walk away, bending over and rubbing his back as he did.
"See you later Lin."
He turned back and looked at her, smiling properly for the first time that morning. Iris felt suddenly lightheaded.
"Later stranger. Have a great day. Thank you for improving my mood"
"You're welcome"
She cringed as she said it. She hadn't meant to throw a Moana reference at him.
"Sorry, I really didn't ...."
He laughed and brushed her comment away.
"I know don't worry."
"Well don't work too hard."
He cocked his head to one side and for a moment neither of them said anything.
He shook himself out of his trance.
"Sorry. Was in another time. I'll see you later."
He waved as he turned and walked away.
Iris frowned slightly not quite sure what had just happened.
