The terrace at the back of the estate stayed warm longer than the inside rooms. When the sun went down behind the trees beyond the property, the stone under the chairs still felt warm. The air had cooled, though it remained mild. The lights along the railing had not turned on yet.
Arianne was already sitting on the terrace when Gio stepped outside, the glass doors left slightly open to let the air move without making the shift obvious. From her seat, she could see the living room reflected faintly against the darkening garden, a lamp near the far wall casting light across the floor.
Gio stopped at the doorway before stepping onto the terrace. He didn't ask for permission. He took the chair across from her and sat down with his tablet on his knee.
For a moment, they both stood in silence.
The distant sounds of traffic along the street came and went softly. Near the side garden, a sprinkler turned on briefly and then stopped, followed by silence.
