The Breakfast of Champions
Gabriel looks like a snake has bitten him. He's standing in the middle of a wide-open door, his mouth hanging open, staring at her in disbelief.
"You're here," he says, citing the obvious.
"Surprise!" Claire says, also citing the obvious. "Aren't you inviting me in?"
"Oh, please, please," he says, ushering her in, the previous drama quickly forgotten. Then he mutters, almost a whisper, "If you want, you can move in so we can live together forever."
"What did you say?"
"Uhh, I said, you're always welcome anytime here."
Claire steps into an exceptionally spacious living area, designed to let light in and play with the interior's natural textures. Like Claire's place in the Residence, Gabriel's home is a penthouse suite, which probably occupies the entire top-most floor from the looks of it. If Claire is impressed, she doesn't show it. Instead, she holds up a package. "Your meds, Gab. I think you must take them now."
"I know," he says, taking it. "Thanks."