The late afternoon breeze drifted lazily across the terrace, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine. I sat elegantly beneath the shaded pergola, sipping my tea as Lila poured the next cup with perfect precision.
"Thank you, Lila," I said, folding my hands in my lap.
"My lady," she curtsied, retreating with soft steps.
I lifted the cup, letting the warmth brush against my fingertips.
[Pretending to be calm are we host.]
What ever do you mean, I'm as calm as I can ever be and drinking tea under the sun. Epitome of calmness.
[Keep telling yourself that host but the eye bags say otherwise]
Ignore him. Pretend I'm glowing.
[You're glowing, all right. Glowing with sleep deprivation.]
I did not sleep that horribly.
[You didn't sleep at all.]
…Technicalities. I straightened my posture, sipping again.
[You kept on re-living the five seconds stare you had with Elias in the garden yesterday for two hours. Two hours!!]
