The routine after the trip settled into a rhythm of intellectual closeness and physical distance. The silent treatment was over, but the air remained charged with unspoken emotions.
Alex and I were cordial, speaking over morning coffee about the news, and I occasionally joined him in the library while he worked, sketching silently, the presence of the other a quiet comfort.
One Friday morning, two weeks after our return, I was in the library reviewing swatches for my latest collection. Alex was on a video conference, discussing a large corporate event being hosted in the city.
"Yes, the Matteo Holdings Winter Gala. We need the venue finalized immediately," Alex was saying, his voice sharp and focused. "I've reviewed the proposals from the event committee. I want to move forward with the design firm Iris & Co. Their portfolio is the most professional."
