"Pregnant. Really pregnant. She was looking at an animation exhibit."
"Did she say anything?"
Hesitation. "She asked about you."
Hope flares dangerous and bright. "What did she ask?"
"Just if you were okay. How you were doing."
"What did you tell her?"
"That you seemed like you were working on things. That you seemed different."
"What did she say?"
"She just nodded. Didn't ask anything else. But Daniel?" Lottie pauses. "She didn't have to ask. She could have ignored me entirely. The fact that she asked means something."
After Lottie leaves, I return to the journal.
Week 12, Day 2
Afraid that "how are you doing" is just politeness, not hope. Afraid I'm reading too much into it. But she asked. That means she's at least still thinking about me. I'll hold onto that.
***
Week 12, Day 3:Afraid I'll never get the chance to show her I've changed. Afraid she's already decided. Afraid—
My phone rings. Unknown number.
I almost send it to voicemail. Probably spam.
Something makes me answer. "Hello?"
"This is Gretchen Park."
I take a deep breath.
"Is Bailey okay? Is the baby—"
"They're fine. Bailey asked me to call you."
I can't breathe. "She did?"
"She'll meet you. Tomorrow. Luna's Coffee on Fifth. 2 PM."
"She'll—wait, she wants to see me?"
"Don't make me repeat myself."
My mind races. "Should I bring anything? What should I—"
"Just show up. On time."
"Okay. Okay, I'll be there. Thank you for—"
"Daniel."
"Yes?"
