A Gift

The muted bass from the speakers downstairs rattled the floorboards under my heels, vibrating straight up into the small, black velvet box sitting in the palm of my hand. Across from me, Vance sprawled over my unmade sheets with an ease that felt almost insulting, his long legs stretched out and his collar unbuttoned after hours of travel.

“Is this supposed to be some kind of payoff?” I asked, ke