Page 92 of Salto

“But they're not allowed to date.”

He didn’t say anything. So I continued.

“However…is there any rule that says they can’t be friends?”

His gaze dropped to the salt and pepper shakers between us.

“I don’t know,” he said quietly.

"I can't help but wonder..." I said, unable to meet his eyes. "What would've happened to Salt and Pepper if they'd met under different circumstances?”

When he didn’t respond, I couldn't take it anymore.

I looked up and our eyes met.

Conflict flickered across his face. He started to shake his head.

"Scarlet—"

"Just hear me out."

He closed his mouth, his jaw tightening again.

"I know they can't date,” I said quickly. "I'm not asking for that."

There was another moment of silence.

“I just…” I hesitated. “I hate the idea that they have to pretend they don't enjoy talking to each other.” My eyes met the table again. “That they can't be in each other's lives somehow."

"The question isn't whether they can be friends." His voice was quiet. "I don't think that's the problem."

I waited, barely breathing.

"The problem is whether they can stay friends."

I looked up, and a strange thrill zipped through me.

It sounded almost like the beginning of a negotiation.

"What if they could?" I asked quietly. "Just be friends?"

“It’s possible,” he said carefully.

Hope bloomed in my chest.

"But only if the rules were very clear."

"Okay—”

On impulse, I reached for one of the many napkins I'd acquired earlier and smoothed it across the table. Digging through my bag, I found a pen.

"What are you doing?" he asked slowly.

"Making a contract.”

His eyebrow lifted.

I bent over the napkin and scribbled quickly.