candle, blink, airport, change

none of it had been romantic. like a new job or a haircut, it had just happened in an orderly and logical fashion. they had met on tour. she had returned and he had picked her up from the airport. having nowhere to stay, she had carried her belongings (confined to a small brown suitcase) up the apartment building stairs and unpacked. he had bought her a toothbrush. she had cooked dinner by candelight - only because the power had gone off.

'good night,' he said and stuck out his hand.
'good night,' she said shaking it.
they lay beside each other not touching.

blink blink. the alarm clock suddenly came to life.

he laughed in the darkness.
'what?'
he fumbled through his wallet that sat on the drawers beside the bed.
'here,' he said with a smile and held out a handful of coins.
she looked confused. then hurt. then she laughed.
'you're an asshole.' she grinned, 'it's pro bono... i told you in paris that you could never afford me.'
he hesitated for a moment, then leant over and kissed her ear.