It was hard to believe that Jules had worked there only a few months, she kept the place running. The yoga community’s loss was Calhoun + Calhoun’s gain. Jules told him that she liked having coworkers, the feeling of comradery so different than her usual role of teacher-pupil. It was good to feel connected, in the trenches with everyone, even if her contributions were currently small. She could see a day where she did more, become important.

In recent weeks she and Henry had been staying at the office late, working long into the evening. It was under the auspices of putting more hours into the new property the Flynns had been interested in, but it was obvious they just enjoyed each other’s company. For Henry, her lightness was a welcome respite from the intensity Claudine brought to any room she occupied. They’d order takeout, burgers from 520 Grill, and talk about anything but work. Henry would tell her about recent Scandinavian buildings that caught his eye. He admired their unique way of blending energy efficiency with an emphasis on the importance of nature in design. She’d talk about the books she was reading, how she liked to alternate between classics and thrillers. It felt comfortable and familiar as they cycled through subjects, big and small. Who made the best ski pants. The definition of happiness. Are Doritos better than Cheetos. What about Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Their conversations rolled like a taffy machine, stretching out long and colorful, then folding over and over again until they were all one.

They became close in a way that not even they could articulate. In all these years, it was the nearest Henry had ever come to wanting to tell someone his secret. He’d tease the thought out all the way until the breath before he was going to do it, always stopping short when it came time to form the words. Where would he even start? No. Not ever. Especially not Jules. This wasn’t the way to do it. To relieve the symptoms he’d been feeling. The tightness. The pressure. It was as if someone had him by both shoulders, pressing down from above, crushing him like a boot on an empty aluminum beer can. It’d been years since he’d been this tempted to have a drink. His current state was unsustainable.

A light rapping on the office door. Jules cracked it open.

“Hey,” she said. “Thought I’d check on you in person. You okay?”

“Just tired. Not exactly in a Christmas party mood.”

“Holiday party,” she corrected. “We run an inclusive shop here. Wouldn’t want to offend a potential client.”

“You learn fast.”

Jules tucked her hair behind her ears, a nervous habit. It was only then that he noticed her dress. He was confused and a little startled.