The fire was relaxing to the point of being hypnotic, so much so that Brodi didn't notice that Zoe was holding out a cup of hot chocolate to him until she cleared her throat.
"It's hot chocolate, sweets, not hemlock."
Brodi looked up and took the mug gratefully. "Thanks, Zo. So how did you know I wasn't sleeping?"
Zoe plopped herself down beside him and folded her legs up under herself. "Saw you leaving. I didn't sound the alarm—figured you needed to get out. But I also didn't want you freezing your ass off, so I gave you some time then went looking for you." Zoe stared at her mug for a moment before continuing. "Wasn't hard to find you. You were in the same place you took me to last time I got messed up in the head."
Brodi was still entranced by the fire, but he nodded his appreciation. "Well, I was right, wasn't I? It's a good place to go to clear your head."
"Yup. I do have one question, though."
Brodi leaned forward over his cup and took a sip. "Yes?"
"How did you manage to get away from Elise? She hasn't left your side since the hospital."
"She's sleeping. I couldn't sleep, got a little stir crazy."
Zoe nodded, returning her attention to her own mug for a moment.
"You know, when you were unconscious, she only left the hospital once."
Brodi raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Seriously. The suits made her do a race. She knocked over three other boarders, including Moby, and sprained her own ankle." Zoe took a casual sip of hot chocolate. "Moby had to carry her across the finish line. They didn't ask her to leave the hospital again."
"No kidding."
"She loves you, Bro. She might pull the "friends with benefits" thing with you. But make no mistake. That woman loves you."
Brodi nodded absently, deep in thought. Zoe sat her mug on the coffee table and rested a hand on Brodi's knee.
"Did you hear what I said, babe?"
Brodi blinked. "Uh, yeah. I'm just tired, in dire need of sleep, I guess."
Zoe laughed. "About damned time. Then go sleep! You know how to find me if you need me." She got up to leave, then stopped behind him, leaned over the couch and threw her arms around his neck. "I'm serious about talking if you need to." She kissed his cheek and was off before he could answer.