“Do you think she’s mad at me? For sending her away for so long?” Claudia asked as he paced beside his desk, arms folded across his chest. Maybe that’s why she isn’t back yet.”

He stopped then, opened his arms wide, and made a gesture that resembled a shrug. If a shrug was somehow more…frantic. “Or the dress? What if she didn’t like it?” Violet didn’t exactly strike him as the type to get upset about such a thing but she had been amongst all those young women for months. The pacing resumed then then, his thoughts running through a laundry list of perceived slights. ” Or maybe something else, I don’t know…”

Cattleya sat in one of the chairs off to the side, her violet eyes following him as he wore down a circle in the wooden flooring. There was the slightest hint of a smirk on her face, especially since this wasn’t the first time he’d done this over Violet. “Claudia, she doesn’t hate you. Far from it, if I had to guess. Just because she wasn’t on the train this morning doesn’t mean you need to panic. It could be any number of things holding her up.”

Her words caused him to gradually come to a stop, his mind filling with new and equally upsetting ideas in addition to his previous assumptions. What if it wasn’t her choosing? What if she was hurt? “I don’t like it. Maybe I should send someone out there? Benedict has that damn motorcycle.” He’d no doubt grumble but he’d done it in the end.

This prompted a sigh from Cattleya and she rose from the chair before walking his way. She silently slid behind him then and wrapped her arms around his waist before resting her chin on his shoulder. “You’re really worried about her, aren’t you?”

“Of course, I am. I care a lot about her. How many times have we talked about it in this very office?” His voice was a little exasperated but he made no move to separate himself from where she held him. It felt nice, after all. Relaxing. It helped slow his mind as much as his breath.

“And elsewhere.” She replied. “It’s just…different when you witness it through actions and not words. I can see it very clearly now. Almost makes a girl jealous…”

“Jealous? You know that’s different; I care about you too.” His arms came up to lay over hers then, squeezing tight once they were in place. “I’m sorry, I know I’ve been on edge these past few weeks.”

Cattleya hummed at his touch before standing more upright. “I know and I’m only teasing. It seems you now understand the worry of every father with a daughter.”

“Almost,” he said with an audible sigh. “She hasn’t tried to bring anyone home yet. That’s when I’ll really start worrying.” A soft laugh followed the joke and Claudia let the warmth of it wash over him.

“You do too much of that already. Now come on,” as she spoke, she started to untangle herself so she could grab his arm instead. “We’re leaving work and you’re coming to my apartment. We’ll get your mind focused on something else.” 

She reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek before starting to pull him toward the door. “I’ll even make you dinner.”

“Dinner?” That sounded like a wonderful idea. Her cooking was delicious and Claudia already had plenty of favorites from among her repertoire. His stomach apparently agreed considering how it rumbled. “You know I can’t say no to that. Will you make that pasta dish? The one with the tomatoes and shrimp?” They would have to stop by the market but that was alright. It was just more time to spend together and more things to help take his mind off of where Violet might be.

“Sure, if you buy me a nice bottle of wine to go with it.”

This finally his own chuckle to emerge before she shook his head. “As if I would buy you a crappy one. But yes, you drive a hard bargain but I accept your price.”

Cattleya nodded with a bright smile and then began to move towards the door with him in tow. “Well then, come on…*President.*”

He followed eagerly enough but her tone caused his eyes to roll in exasperation. “I just don’t want the others to think you’re getting preferential treatment, that’s all. I’m supposed to be your boss.”

This caused her to laugh as she let go of him and placed one hand on the door’s handle before pausing and looking back at him. “Everyone knows who bosses who around, Claudia.” Following her words, she shot him a wink and then opened the door to step through. No doubt adopting an air of professionalism as she went. Claudia followed after with a sigh, knowing the truth of her words. “Yeah, yeah. They probably do.”

After making their way out of the office and down the stairs, President Hodgins greeted anyone who was still around and bid them goodnight. Once they were outside, the pair began walking in the direction of the closest market while still maintaining a respectable distance apart. It was only after they turned a corner that both silently reached out and took each other’s hand. Sure, there was still a risk that another employee would see them but it was getting harder to care with each passing day. If this was going to become something serious, he’d have to tell the others eventually. And he very much wanted whatever was between them to become…serious.

“When Violet returns, maybe we should keep her close for a few months,” Claudia offered as they walked. “Only jobs in the city or the surrounding area. What do you think?” Even though he felt much better, it was obvious where his mind was going to wander back to. At least for a little while longer.

“That probably wouldn’t hurt. However, she’s very resilient. And Claudia,” Cattleya paused in her response and looked over to him with a soft expression, waiting to grab his attention before continuing. Which she did soon after he turned to meet her eyes.

“Yes?”

“Don’t forget to talk to her and make sure that’s what she wants. Don’t assume.”

“Ah, right. I’ll do that, I promise.” The instinct to keep Violet close when she returned was strong. Stronger than he would’ve guessed if he was being honest with himself. Cattleya was right though, a common occurrence.

She offered his hand a tight squeeze and then pulled him a little closer while they walked. “You know, you’re very cute when you’re concerned.”

This caused him to match her smile before tilting his head slightly. “Yeah? Do you think so? Well, let me tell you some other things I’m worried about!” The pair shared a laugh before he turned his head and planted a quick kiss on the crown of her head.