Chapter 8 -
As expected, that night was practically sleepless for her. Hours spent switching from right to left, blanket to none. The velvet cover and supple mattress that had been so comforting in her first sleep, now felt rigid. Near giving up, Sydney swung her legs to the floor then proceeded to sit on the windowsill that just happened to be long enough to use as a bench. For comfort, she brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them.
Gazing over the darkness of the city, sprinkled with nightlife, Sydney couldn't help but wonder where to go from here. Things couldn't ever be the same between her and Sark, no matter how you put it. In her eyes, it was close to the awkwardness a woman might feel the morning after a one-night stand. She knew her grandest weakness were her feelings, and detested the fact they always chose the most inopportune time to surface.
"Can't sleep?" She heard Sark ask, from just inside the bedroom.
Obviously startled, Sydney gasped and jumped slightly. "You scared the shit out of me," she exclaimed. With the open curtain, she saw it all. The few strands of his hair disheveled by rest, the definition of his bare arms and chest, flexed as he scratched the back of his head. His nakedness covered by only a loose pair of shorts. Chemistry was a fucked up thing sometimes.
"Sorry, I figured you would be sleeping by now," he answered, looking unsure if he wanted to continue a conversation with her.
Fully aware she was only wearing her white tank and brief set, Sydney felt exposed again, "Just going over some last minute details."
"At two thirty in the morning," he lightly mocked her.
Normally his banter would provoke her to respond, but not tonight. Now that she knew where her nervousness was derived, she was unable to. "We all have our routines."
Sark eyed her, sensing something's a bit off, but didn't press it. "That's true," he agreed, while walking into the bathroom. When the door shut, she made her way back to the bed, hoping she could at least get a few hours rest.
When dressing up, she was a girl's girl. The feel of satin, velvet or silk as it rubbed against the body could be heavenly. Tonight's choice, black A-line, chiffon halter dress with tiny specks of sparkles and a drooping neckline, clung to her body just right. Her hair was swooped up in a loose twist with a few tendrils surrounding her face, and it finished the elegant look.
On time, as she checked her watch reading five past six, Sydney exited the bathroom, ready for the last of this. All day they had barely spoke, having done their own thing since there was no longer a need to keep up the appearance of being married. It was better that way, for her at least.
Sydney entered the front room, finding Sark tying his black tie with aid of a mirror. As she walked in, she noticed his attention had switched to her through the mirror. Avoiding his stare, she took her clutch from the table and loaded it with necessities. Anxiety starting to build inside her, she let out a relatively loud sigh.
"Everything okay?" Sark asked, as he faced her.
Unaware she had been so noisy in letting it out, she backtracked, "Just a bit nervous about tonight, that's all."
"These people are clueless about what we're going to do," Sark scoffed at their intelligence. "It'll be a breeze."
Sydney placed a reassuring smile on her face, but was thinking about her attachment to the couple. She genuinely liked The Espinoza's. They had accepted a strange couple into their circle of friends without a second thought. With his last statement, another display of what she felt to be normal "Sark" behavior, Sydney grabbed her wrap and headed toward the door.
"Claudette, Julian," Consuela exclaimed, as the two walked through the foyer. "I'm so glad to see you both." The Binoche's approached the striking woman who was wearing a soft pink satin, strapless gown that trailed slightly behind, as she walked over from inside the dining area. Sydney exchanged kisses on the cheek when Consuela reached them.
"Consuela, your home is just lovely. It reminds me of some of the properties Julian had on hand in France," Sydney added.
Playing the perfect hostess, Consuela led them to the bar set up, next to the buffet style spread full of fine cuisine. "The bar is fully stocked, all at your disposal," Consuela invited. Upon another couple entering the room she smiled, "Excuse me, I'll be back around in a few."
Sark handed her a glass of Merlot, he took a dark colored liquor on ice. Sipping, to ensure a sober mind, she started on the glass. "After dinner should be the best time, you think?" Sydney inquired.
"Of course, why pass up the opportunity for food and spirits," Sark spoke close to a whisper. The two made their way around the dining area, admiring the fine art displayed on the walls.
The time they had at dinner compared to no other she could remember. Thirteen couples from various parts of the world all sharing bits of their life experiences. Laughter and playful, teasing comments lightened the atmosphere allowing her to find some serenity in what they had to do.
After dinner just as planned, Sark spilled a small amount of wine on his white shirt, giving him the opportunity to excuse himself. Instead of a clean up, he was to find the main computer, attach the device allowing SD-6 access to K-Directorate information, subsequently finishing the op. That was twenty minutes ago, Sydney wasn't worried though, he had always proven to be quite self sufficient in his work.
Now she just waited, engaged in conversation with Consuela. "So when does your plane leave tomorrow?" Consuela inquired.
"Twelve fifteen, another thirty hour trip back to the states," Sydney complained.
Consuela finished her wine, "That ride is a bitch, I've made it many a time." Marcus walked up to his wife a mischievous look in his eye. He whispered something in her ear, causing a wide smile to appear on Consuela's face. When he had finished, he kissed her cheek and returned to mingling.
"Your husband is adorable, obvious with his affection for you," Sydney complimented.
Flattered by the comment, Consuela responded, "I guess if anyone knows what that's like it would be you. Spending these past few days with you and Julian re-ignited a little spark in my marriage. His romantic gestures, public displays, and the way he watches you when you're not paying attention. I haven't seen many men as devoted to loving his wife as him."
Such kind words about something rooted in a lie, Sydney hid her disappointment well. "Reciprocation of such feelings is everything I'd dreamt of since I was young, and finding it is the greatest gift one could ever receive."
"I agree. Excuse me again," Consuela told Sydney. "Looks as if a few of my friends are leaving."
When Consuela was gone, Sydney looked around the room, finally catching eyes with Sark as he walked around the corner from the back of the house. Strolling, with his hands inserted in his pant pockets, he stepped just inside the dining area. The corner of his mouth turned up as he finished the walk to her. He shifted his eyes to the front door, informing her that things were finished.