Surrounded

Eliza wrapped her arms about Cleo as soon as she sat down at the table, and then looked away from her. She could tell even from her periphery view of Cleo, that she knew her goose was cooked. There was nothing for her to say, but she knew that Cleo knew…

All Eliza could see when she had her arms about the other woman was the way that Cleo had hugged Cadmus. The way her arms dangled about his upper body and the way that she pressed her body to his with instinct, not intention. Her emotions for him were so clear, and Eliza was confused because she had thought that Cleo was completely in love with Oscar.

Oscar was sitting next to Cleo, and looked happy. But his eyes were on her as well, and Eliza hid her emotions for him as well as she possibly could. There was so much history between her and Oscar at this point, that they spoke volumes without a word or even a look.

Maybe that was the same thing that was between Cleo and Cadmus, because as she settled next to Oscar Cleo looked at ease and infatuated. Her body again moving instinctually.

Relationships were so complicated, what had she witnessed between Cleo and Cadmus? Now even though Cleo looked at her wearily, Eliza made as if she was oblivious to anything.

Eliza nearly choked on her wine, as Cleo’s phone was dressed with Cadmus’ name, and Cleo grabbed her phone to speak into it.

In French.

Oscar looked unconcerned, Eliza smiled at him.

Cleo looked between them even as she continued her conversation in rapid French.

“Ciao, ciao,” she said and leaned back into Oscar. “It was Cadmus.”

“I figured,” Oscar smiled, and took her hand to kiss it.

Cleo’s weary eyes remained on her, and Eliza was happy to be swept up in the embrace of her husband. His hug felt like a security blanket surrounding her with his arrival.

Hugs all around again, and Eliza mused at the dramatic turn her life had suddenly taken.

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