Chapter 32. The First Night

Diana arrived at the house on Monday carrying her laptop and the book Gabriel had bought on their date.

She had spent the morning at Hans, left on time, and told Eva where she was going. Her wrist was improving, though she still wore the brace when she worked. Ruth drove her out and stayed to speak with the people at the gate.

Gabriel met her at the porch.

He had called twice that afternoon. The first call had been practical: where to leave the car, which door would be open, whether she wanted dinner before he went outside. During the second, he had asked what she'd eaten for lunch and then fallen quiet.

She suspected the second call was the reason she was here.

“I brought homework,” she said, lifting the bag.

“You don't have to entertain my mother.”

“It's mine. She'll be disappointed.”

He smiled, but his attention moved past her toward the trees. The late sunlight caught a trace of gold in his eyes.

Diana set