PIPER
We're back in the hotel room. It's even more beautiful in the daytime. Gauzy curtains diffuse the light, filling the room with a warm glow. The place is almost beautiful enough to explain why I willingly came back here with Timofey.
"I'm going to meet a friend for lunch, but you can come with me," Ashley had said. She was clinging to my hand like she was afraid I'd disappear if she let go. "I'll introduce you. I'd love for you to see what my life has been like for the last couple weeks."
Gram had already gone up for a nap, and I was finding myself exhausted, too. Creating a human will do that to you, apparently.
I waved her away. "No, it's okay. I'll catch up with you later."
"Are you sure?"
I could feel Timofey standing behind me. I nodded. "I'm sure. Have fun."
But now that our hotel door is locked and he's sitting at one of the barstools, his legs crossed casually at the ankle, I'm not sure at all.
