Bri’s expression softens. “She decided about the trip?”
“Yeah. She’s booking her flight for next week.”
“That’s good. She could use a change of scenery.”
I hum in agreement, but my mind drifts.
Poor Anna.
She spent weeks trying to patch up something already cracked beyond repair, convincing herself Spence just needed space and things would get better once he stopped drinking so much and working so late. But space just gave her enough room to see the truth, there was someone else.
I can still hear the tremor in her voice when she told me, exhaustion outweighing heartbreak. She didn’t even cry, just sounded… empty. So, I pushed for her to come here, at least for a while, to start over, to remember who she is without him.
And maybe having her around will help me figure out what I want as well.
The next morning starts like most of mine do lately, with a message from him.
@HalfWritten:
Morning, sunshine. Hope your day’s kind to you.
I stare at the notification for a few seconds before opening it, rereading the words like they might mean something more than they should.
Last night we talked later than usual, longer than usual too. Somehow the conversation slipped into heavier territory, the kind you don’t plan for but end up staying awake thinking about afterward.
I told him about the pattern. About how the more my career grew, the smaller my dating pool got. How men liked the idea of me more than the reality of being with someone whose job never really turns off. He didn’t ask for specifics—he never does—but he listened. Really listened.
Then he told me about his ex. How he found out she’d been cheating on him long after it ended, when the damage was already done. He said it made him question everything—his instincts, his worth, the kind of love he was capable of giving. It broke my heart a little, the way he said it. Like the words still hurt to touch.
His words carry that quiet kind of sincerity that makes you want to read them twice just to feel them again.
I type back before I can talk myself out of it.
@OneLastLine:
Good morning. I hope yours is kind to you too.
It only takes a few seconds for his reply to appear.
@HalfWritten:
It already is. The thought of you tends to make my days easier.
I close the app with a stupid smile tugging at my lips and toss my phone into my bag. It’s too early for this kind of flutter in my chest, but there it is anyway.
By the time I get to the office, caffeine in hand, June’s already waiting by my desk, her laptop open and a look on her face that says something’s up.
“Morning,” I start, but she cuts in, eyes wide.
“Did you hear?”
My stomach dips. “Hear what?”
“All planes are being grounded.” She shoves her phone toward me. “They’re saying air traffic control got hacked. Literally every airport’s on pause right now.”
“What?” I blink, trying to process it.
“Yeah.” She scrolls through her feed. “My sister’s supposed to be flying to LA this morning, she’s stranded in Houston. Total chaos.”
