Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

She looked at me with eyes brimming with contentment and a smile that spoke volumes of her delight.

I couldn't contain my excitement and blurted out, "To me, you're like the go-to gal. Whenever I've got something on my mind, I just wanna chew the fat with you. Getting your seal of approval just settles my nerves."

We both had that better late than never kind of joy as we stood up, beaming with happiness.

"It's incredible, honestly. I haven't had a chat this carefree and enjoyable in ages." Geneva said, taking my hand in hers.

We walked together to the balcony railing, basking in the mountain breeze, utterly at ease.

If it weren't for the mission weighing on my heart, this moment would be perfect.

Geneva gazed out at the distant ocean, "You know, a good friend like this you don't need an army, just one or two will do."

"You're right. I can have a heart-to-heart with Catherine, too, but she's quick on the draw. I have to take a beat before I spill the beans, or she'll just jump the gun. That last ordeal nearly gave me a heart attack. "No kidding? Scared me to death too." Geneva turned back to look at me.

"You know, Catherine is the apple of the Damon family's eye. She only moved to Goldenvale Town to follow me. Can you imagine if something went wrong because of me? Geneva, how on earth would I explain it to the Damon family if something went wrong?"

"I get it. Catherine's told me she just can't stand the thought of being apart from you."

"That's just it," I continued, "Catherine's great for a shoulder to cry on, but not the one to make decisions. You're the one I can really talk turkey with."

Geneva beamed with satisfaction, squeezing my hand, "You're spot on. That's exactly how I feel about you."

Then she shifted the topic, "Honestly, it's nothing major. Just I've got this nagging doubt about Noah. In the last couple of years, he's been full of excuses, and well, let's just say the marital bliss has been on the wane. It's not that I'm fixated on the sex, but I just feel he is a bit cold now." Geneva hesitated before looking at me, "You know what I mean?"

I nodded with certainty, "Yeah, I get it."

"Think about it. If a couple's not intimate, what's left? They might as well be strangers, familiar strangers."

I had to ask, "Has it really dwindled that much?"

With a touch of embarrassment but serious nonetheless, Geneva nodded, "Yes, it has. He also seems to be less interested in me."

I pretended to be puzzled, "That's odd, isn't it? You guys are at that age they say is prime. Maybe he's just really busy?"

"He's busy, sure, but not too busy for... It's so awkward to say." Geneva chuckled, covering her mouth, "We didn't even have sex for a month or two."

I responded immediately, "That does seem off. Was it always like this?"

She shook her head, "No, not at all. He used to be quite keen, at least a couple of times a week."

I felt a pang of sympathy for her, sensing that something was amiss with Noah.

"He always says he's busy or tired, or he comes home late. That's why I feel uneasy. To be honest, I've been keeping tabs on him for a while, and I haven't caught him out on anything." Geneva continued. "You've been tracking his movements?" I asked, surprised.

"I've been watching him discreetly for some time. He's punctual with work, and even though he doesn't always leave on time, I know he's often still at the office. It's bizarre, but there's nothing out of place. Isn't it strange?"

I looked at her solemnly, "There's something I'm not sure I should say, but let's just chalk it up to our heart-to-heart today. What if I asked Logan to have someone look into it for you? Would you be okay with that?"

After I spoke, I quickly waved my hand, "Never mind, what am I saying? Forget it."

I feigned annoyance and slapped my mouth.

Geneva laughed, "Come on. We're such good friends. I know you mean well. Why would I be upset?"

I grinned sheepishly, trying to explain, "I just got carried away. We've been having such a good chat today."

My laughter was carefree, but Geneva looked at me seriously and said, "Honestly, I've thought about doing just that, but I couldn't bring myself to ask. I didn't want to impose on you."