#bak3rs

 The quiet click of the front door unlocking broke the three-day silence that had forced the mansion into an absolute void. Paul stepped inside, his eyes scanning the empty entryway. Seeing that Ellie’s car was missing from the driveway had been the only reason he finally decided to return, assuming he could avoid another confrontation. Instead of putting his keys down, he kept his phone pressed firmly between his shoulder and his ear, completely immersed in a business call.  ‘ ..no, the valuation on that logistics firm is too high. ‘ Paul said, his voice calm as he walked further into the house. ‘ Tell them we stick to our initial offer, or we walk." He rounded the corner into the hallway, his shoes clicking softly against the marble. Ellie was standing right there, watching him, but Paul didn't pause. His eyes swept right past her, treating her like nothing more than a piece of furniture as he completely ignored her presence. Continuing past her without a single word or a flicker of acknowledgment, he walked straight into the kitchen, his mind still entirely focused on the phone call. ‘ I don't care about their operating costs, ‘ he continued into the receiver, opening the refrigerator with his free hand. ‘ They either accept the terms by tomorrow morning, or the deal is dead. ‘ 

@bak3rs

 Paul stood on the wooden deck of the tennis club, a cold drink in his hand that he hadn't even touched. The gold wedding ring on his left hand pressed against the glass almost like he wanted it to be noticed. Though it wasn't like it was a secret. Below the deck, the courts were busy with people playing matches, and nearby, a crowd was gathered around the outdoor buffet tables for the club's event. Claire stood a few feet beside him, laughing at something another member said, but Paul was entirely detached from the conversation. ​His eyes drifted toward the dessert pavilion, where a woman was setting down a tray of baked goods. He had to look twice. But it was her. ​It was Elenore. ​She looked older, her hair pulled back, but he knew her face instantly. The last time he had seen her, they were just kids, and she was leaving the old neighborhood behind. Now, she was here, working the catering setup for a private club event. How ironic was that? ​Paul didn't say a word to his wife. He simply turned and walked away from the group, his steps almost in slow motion as he moved down the stairs and across the grass. He stopped right on the other side of the display table, watching her arrange the final plates. He didn't smile. ‘ You look different. ‘ Paul said, his voice quiet but loud enough to cut right through the chatter of the crowd. ‘ It has been a long time. Are you going to say hello, or just stand there? ‘ 

“ I’m  not  looking  for  a  relationship,  alright? ”  His  baritone  grumbles,  “ Last  night  was  nice.  The  week  before  that  too.  But  look  at  me,  Ellie,  I’m  old.  I’ve  got  a  team  to  look  after. I'm not the relationship kind of guy. ”

Her movements caused a shift on her side, she looked over to catch the brunette glance in her direction with a matching shocked expression.

" i don't think normal lasts very long around here. " mckay props an arm on the bedrail, sleeve slouching past her fingertips. " how are you hanging in there? "