Michael was still wearing the suit that he had left in this morning. He stood tall like a walking hormone. I noticed that his dark blue suit jacket was paired with a gold-green tie, similar in color to my bathing suit, a subtle coincidence that somewhat eased my mood.
I still felt uncomfortable, but I wasn't hysterical.
Joanna turned to look at me in surprise, then she smiled. "Oh, Cecily, you're back."
I tossed the towel aside, ignoring Joanna, and kept my eyes on Michael. But, of course, he was looking at me, too. As I tossed the towel away, I saw his pupils contract and then a glint of gold in the eyes of the familiar beast, but I wasn't afraid anymore.
I pretended to feel around my waist a little, then put my other hand over my shoulder from my chest, and now Michael's attention was entirely on me.
I reached out, slapped Joanna's hand off Michael's forearm without mercy, held Michael's arm, and led him to my room.
