Re: Obed/Isobel - poolside - 7:55 p.m.
Obed shook his head, dismissing every offer of repayment as it came. The thought of asking anything from her now felt crass; adding another obligation, even one she placed on herself, to all she already dealt with was unconscionable.
"We can talk," he said. "We probably should. Not here, of course, and..." He sighed, a thin jet of smoke rendering the slight sound tangible. He smiled, a mirthless little thing, and crushed his nearly gone cigarette out on the concrete between them. "I need a little more time, I think. Just to get my thoughts together, and try to figure out how to even answer some of the questions I'm sure you have." He gathered up the little packet beside him. He did not rise from his little perch, not yet, but it was clear he was preparing to do so. Equally clear, of course, was the fact that he wanted to linger in her presence for as long as he could.
"Give me a week or so," he said. "And when you have the time, just let me know. You're welcome to stop by, or Hanni and I can come to you. Whatever you need."