"You look like someone who's surviving something hard. That's beautiful."
I arrive at Luna's an hour early because I can't stand waiting at the apartment anymore.
Sit in my car, hands gripping the steering wheel. Almost drive away twice.
My phone buzzes.Gretchen: You've got this. I love you.
I get out of the car before I can change my mind.
***
Maya is behind the counter when I walk in.
"Hey! You're not working today." Then she sees my face. "You okay?"
"Meeting someone. It's complicated."
Understanding crosses her expression. "The guy?"
"Yeah."
"Want me to hover nearby? Signal if you need an exit?"
The offer makes my throat tight. "I think I'm okay. But thank you."
I take a corner table. Order chamomile tea I won't drink. Watch the door like it might open and swallow me whole.
Two o'clock arrives with agonizing slowness.
Then, exactly on time, he walks in.
Daniel.
My breath catches.
He looks different. Thinner—his suit hangs looser on his frame. Dark circles under his eyes like he hasn't slept properly in months. The perfect, controlled expression I remember is gone, replaced by something raw and uncertain.
He sees me. Stops. And something in his face breaks open.
Vulnerability. Fear. Hope.
All the things he used to hide.
He walks over slowly, like I might bolt if he moves too fast.
"Can I sit?" His voice is rough.
I nod.
He sits across from me. The small table feels enormous and too small at the same time.
Silence stretches between us, loaded with three months of absence and everything that broke us.
He opens his mouth to speak.
I hold up my hand. "Let me go first."
He closes his mouth. Nods.
