““You look exhausted,” she said. “Everyone else has already eaten their dinner, but I’m sure you’re hungry too.” I shrugged. “I just want to be alone. Maybe I’ll take a walk through the gardens.” As I started out the door, Aurelia said, “I want to be alone too. Do you think you and I could be alone together?” My heart skipped a beat, and I looked around us again, not sure of whether I wanted this moment to be interrupted. “That’s not a good idea.” She sighed. “I’m going to come with you, Nic. It’s only a question of whether I’ll walk beside you or behind you. I warn you, though, if I must follow, then I’m going to throw rocks at the back of your head.” “Well, we can’t have that.” I smiled, then motioned for her to come with me. “Let’s go be alone together.””
