The metallic pop of the toaster startled her a bit, momentarily drawing her focus before she glanced back to Ciara, observing her languid posture against the counter, the sultry slip of the shimmering robe off one shoulder. It was all so effortless, so casual, a physical manifestation of the life that Luke chose and led every day...
"I wouldn't either," she returned, her voice strangely hushed as her fingers once again took to manipulating her ring. But perhaps that wasn't the whole truth. There were a few people in particular she had, in fact, wished in on, after all.
The mention of Luke's name caused that sensation in her chest to tighten. Ah, so there it was. Unavoidable, brought out into the open, and if she wasn't already at a disadvantage (and she distinctly felt that she was, despite and even because of the other woman's state of undress) she had undeniably lost the advantage of at least being the one to bring up just what she was doing there. Or had it been so obvious from the start? She felt her cheeks flush with panic at the notion.
"Yes," she started, hesitantly, "he'd mentioned that you've been keeping him company. Have you been to see him today, then?"
Dressed like that. Two mugs. She should never have come here.