Chapter 15

The wedding has faded, and the New Year’s Eve party has returned. Time ticks away to midnight. From his spot beneath the table, Toby hears occasional mentions of what time it is. He can see two pairs of legs from the floor. “Have you ever hosted a party?” Minerva asks Mel. She rolls her shoulders. A speech of that length seems to have taken a lot out of her.

“Not like this.”

“It’s quite exhausting. Especially for someone who’s lived in an abyss for decades.” She looks out over the dance floor, to a far corner, where Lily’s smile transforms into an open mouth and a moan as she kneels over a man’s face. Minerva sighs.

“And you don’t take advantage?”

Minerva softly drags on her cigarette. “I tend to be too busy.” She runs a hand through Toby’s hair and he jolts. “Sometimes, though.”

“I’d say you deserve a little fun of your own,” Mel says. “It doesn’t always have to be about love. There’s nothing wrong with some fun, right?”

“No, there certainly isn’t.” There’s a longing in her voice. Some residual emotion from her speech, that she is once again burying. She lifts her foot and places it on Toby’s collarbone. She applies a little pressure and her stiletto heel digs in. She doesn’t look at him. He winces slightly but he’s not sure if they hear him. “Do you suppose I should indulge?”

“This is Lotus Valley,” Mel says.

Minerva sits quietly, but presses her heel into Toby more forcefully. He hears the sound of kissing but can’t see above the table.

“Perhaps you’re right,” Minerva says. “If I may?”