New Years Eve

[Eve]

Ancient history? Eve’s curiosity blossomed, though it remained unintrusive. She hadn’t even known Minty had connections to the Volthstroms, and the revelation opened up her expression in faint surprise. She’d spoken to her about Gui in the past, when the feelings were raw and her journey through America had been tightly tied to her flight from Moscow. Though she supposed it was possible she’d never actually mentioned his surname, or his family; discretion was ingrained in Eve from the cradle. Her confidences had been feelings, not facts. Intimacy not information.

Daphne’s poise never faltered. In the quiet of their personal bubble amidst the shallows of the celebration, she had Eve’s full attention. Whether she should accompany her in the morning was never a question she asked herself – her support was foundational, and she was hardly about to abandon Daphne in America, let alone with the questions she clearly had to ask about her past.

“I already have arrangements,” she said. “I’m supposed to be leaving tomorrow, though I haven’t told anyone here that yet. I’ll make a call. It won’t be a problem. My father’s just pleased I’m finally coming home.”