EZEKIEL WAS surprised when he saw Flavian accompanying Velia the next day.
He had been almost positive Flavian would find an excuse to avoid the excursion, and he wouldn’t have blamed Flavian in the least for wanting to—none of what was happening had been part of Flavian’s expectations.
Flavian’s resentment and trepidation were understandable, especially now that Ezekiel knew the rest of Flavian’s plans.
So he was surprised, pleasantly so, to see Flavian with his sketchbook in hand. And the glow of pleasure he felt at the sight was only surprise and satisfaction that Flavian had done as he said and might actually enjoy himself, nothing more.
Flavian deserved something to be a little easier, stuck, as he was, in a situation not entirely of his own making.
But Ezekiel knew the feelin
