He smiled, a warm, genuine expression that reached his eyes. “It’s my pleasure, Cheryl. Honestly. What you’re doing here, it’s revolutionary. Bringing scent into the cosmic experience, making it so visceral and immersive… it’s going to be the highlight of the gala. I’ve never seen anyone approach art with such a unique blend of scientific precision and ethereal beauty. You have a gift, a truly extraordinary gift.”

His admiration was sincere, uncomplicated. It wasn’t laced with the intense, almost overwhelming artistic recognition she shared with Louis, nor was it shadowed by the unspoken complexities that seemed to cling to the enigmatic artist. 

Dennis’s appreciation was a clear, bright light, making her feel valued for who she was, for the unique contribution she brought.

“You know,” Dennis continued, leaning forward slightly, “when we first talked about this project, I knew it would be ambitious. But seeing your dedication, your passion… it’s inspiring. You don’t just create perfumes; you create entire worlds. And you do it with such grace, even when facing… challenges.” 

He paused, his gaze softening. “Just remember, you don’t have to carry all of this alone. I’m here. For anything you need. Logistical, emotional, even just to vent.”

Cheryl felt a profound sense of comfort settle over her. Louis was a supernova, brilliant and captivating, drawing her in with an irresistible gravitational pull. 

But he was also distant, unpredictable, shrouded in the mysteries of his past. Dennis, on the other hand, was a steady constellation, always there, always reliable, radiating a consistent, gentle warmth. 

His friendship was uncomplicated, a clear path through the emotional nebula that Louis seemed to inhabit.

She thought of Louis’s sudden withdrawal, the way his eyes had shuttered, the apology that felt more like a formality than a true bridge. And then she looked at Dennis, whose eyes held only genuine concern and unwavering support. 

The contrast was stark. Louis offered the thrill of the unknown, the intoxicating promise of a shared artistic destiny that felt almost fated. Dennis offered the quiet strength of certainty, the solace of a friendship that asked for nothing more than to be present and helpful.

“I really appreciate that, Dennis,” Cheryl said, a genuine smile finally gracing her lips. “More than you know. It helps, just knowing I have someone in my corner.”

He nodded, a reassuring presence. “Always, Cheryl. Always.”

As she left his office, a lighter step in her stride, Cheryl carried not just the lingering scent of herbal tea, but a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges hadn’t vanished, but they felt less daunting. 

With Dennis as her anchor, she felt a little more prepared to navigate the cosmic currents, both artistic and emotional, that lay ahead. The path with Louis might be a journey through uncharted stars, but with Dennis, she knew she had a reliable beacon, always shining.