Page 18 of Inescapable Gravity

But then what?

She was a job. An obligation.

When they found the person threatening them, it would be over and Marius would move on to another job.

She'd likely never see him again.

A soft knock on the side door turned her head and before she could cross the room, Marius was there, pushing her behind him.

"It's Missus Fazekas. She lives next door and she brings dinner to me."

She watched as the tension in Marius' body ebbed, but he didn't step away to let her answer the door.

Instead, he walked to the door ahead of her.

At one point, she tried to move around him, quickening her steps, but he reached out a hand and snared her hand with his.

He didn't say a word, but his eyes widened and his chin dipped down as if to say that she should stay there beside him.

The long-gone teen girl inside of her wanted to stomp on his foot and open the door on her own, but one look at his face told her that if she tried it, it wouldn't end well.

Marius was taking this seriously, which she should be grateful for.

She should be.

After all, it wasn't just about her.

She knew how valuable the instrument was and for Bart, she'd make the best out of the situation.

At her side, Marius looked out of the window to the side of the door. She knew what he was likely seeing.

Missus Fazekas was a thin older woman, but there was no mistaking her strength.

Her calm, dark eyes didn't show much of an expression beyond understanding and kindness. They were always gentle, and she was observant beyond her years.

Beyond anyone's years.

The doorbell rang again and Marius unlocked it. When he opened it up, Missus Fazekas turned her head and then lifted her chin until she was almost looking up at the stars above her head.

She shook her head side to side, almost as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

And then with a single nod of her head, she stepped inside.

Marius had to step back to avoid her stepping on his toes and he gaped at her just as Missus Fazekas headed straight for the patio door.

Nix tried to follow the woman, but Marius held her back. "How long has she worked for you?"

"For me?" Nix tried to wiggle her hand free of his. "Never. She works for Bart. And if I don't get outside, the dish will be cold."

She moved forward and this time he went with her. When they reached the door, Missus Fazekas was just opening the door to come back inside.

The older woman held up a couple of fingers. "Two plates," she explained. "Two people. Eat!"

Nix could only hide her face from Marius. She hadn't expected this edict from the sweet, sweet lady next door, but she could see how Missus Fazekas could find the humor in this. The older woman had been trying to encourage her to date.

Now she was likely thinking that Marius was her... her... Who knows what the older woman thought Marius was to her?

Marius gently drew Nix back toward the front door. They followed Missus Fazekas and when the older woman stepped outside, Marius thanked her for her generosity. Before Nix could say anything, the older woman gave her a smile and a not-so-surreptitious wink.

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