New Reflections (Burnsmithers)

Part Three, Section Two: Away from this Illusion

Note: Art is mine, this is what I think Eloise would look like.

 Over the following few days, Burns spent more time with Eloise, sometimes at the manor, at her house, or out in public.

"Waylon," he had said, "you do not have to accompany me when she and I are out. She wants more time with me, without you being there- you understand?" Nor did Waylon stay when Burns went to her house. He tried to avoid being alone with Eloise himself. His disdain of her had grown. He didn't witness her extended interactions with Burns often, beyond dropping Burns off and seeing her greet him. When he did, said interactions seemed off.

He had dropped Burns off at a restaurant for lunch once. "Monty, where were you?" Eloise had demanded, "You were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago. You didn't answer your phone. We have a reservation."
"I apologise, I was in a conference at the plant..."

"You didn't tell me you were having a conference today."
"Didn't I? Oh. It's not important."
"I like to know where you are, especially if it affects our plans."

"Then, I will be sure to inform you when I have another conference," Burns had said quickly, getting out of the car.

"And you wore your work suit here?" Now she was complaining about what he wore?

"Oh... I don't think that is..." Burns had looked down at himself. Ever so slightly, his posture sank, his shoulders dropping, though Waylon didn't think Eloise noticed the change. If she did, she did not consider it.

"I just think you could have changed into something more casual, we're only going to lunch."

"... I see."

"Let's go inside, we've wasted time standing here..."

Another instance, at the manor, had been weird:

"You're at work so often... you're the owner, do you have to be there all the time? I feel like I don't see you enough."

"I have to supervise the employees and I have meetings to attend, forms to sign... unfortunately, I am a busy man."

"Hm." Eloise had taken a piece of his hair in her hand, frowning slightly. "I think you should cut this."
Burns snatched his hair back. "I'd, ah, rather not." Leave him alone, Waylon had thought, he hasn't had that much hair in many years.

"You'd look more professional. I think so."

"Yes, well, there are some things we do not agree upon... I do not believe my appearance takes away from my professionalism."
"It was just a suggestion, Monty. Don't overreact, okay?" She brushed a finger over his lips, and he fell silent.

But it had been more than that, no matter what she tried to play it off as. Eloise's 'suggestions' were more like commands. And then she tried to make it seem like Burns had reacted too strongly, and he was at fault.

Waylon saw Burns much less, because Eloise had made it clear she didn't want Waylon near them while she was at the manor. And when he was alone with Burns, it was at work, because he had stopped hanging around the manor as much as he had been, instead going to his flat. Their conversations consisted of Burns talking about Eloise, or otherwise business. And even if she were not physically there, she texted and called Burns frequently.

Waylon didn't see how Burns liked her still, but then he never had.

He was surprised one day when Burns invited him over to the manor.

"Smithers."
"Yes, sir?"

"I feel as if I haven't spoken with you in ages," Burns confessed, "do come to the manor tomorrow morning. I'd... like to see you."