Mavis glanced up from her notes.“You’re sure?Don’t forget Valentine’s Day.”
“I am sure,” I said, calm and certain.“Noise is what everyone expects.”
That quiet clarity surfaced again.It had been showing up more often lately, settling into me like a decision that had been waiting for permission I was no longer seeking.
We moved quickly after that.Layouts finalized.Fonts approved.Deadlines assigned.When someone challenged a decision, I didn’t flinch.I explained once, and when they pushed again, I held the line.There was no second-guessing.No bracing.By the time we wrapped, the room buzzed with momentum.
“Damn,” Mavis said as she packed up.“You’re on fire lately.”
I smiled faintly.“I’m efficient.”
She snorted.“That’s not what this is.”
I didn’t ask her to explain.I already knew.
Lunch was at the café down the block, the one with mismatched chairs and chalkboard menus that changed daily.The three of us slid into a booth by the window, coats draped over chair backs, the city moving outside like it had somewhere better to be.
Dixie poked at her salad.“So.One full week.”
Mavis arched a brow.“No calls.No texts.No brooding billionaire sightings?”
“None,” I said, lifting my glass.“I checked.”
“That’s...intense,” Dixie said carefully.
“It’s intentional,” I replied, realizing I meant it.
Mavis studied me over the rim of her mug.“You’re not spiraling.”
“No.”
“You’re not defending him either.”
I paused.That one landed.
“I’m not,” I said slowly as I took a bite of spinach quiche.“I’m just done waiting for him to decide what he wants to do with me.”
“Meanwhile, she’s minimizing Valentine’s Day,” Mavis murmured while popping a cherry tomato into her mouth.
Dixie leaned back.“That sounds dangerous.”
“It sounds overdue,” I said.“I’m done waiting.”
“I was talking about Valentine’s Day,” Dixie said, and Mavis giggled.
I rolled my eyes.“Overrated.”Then I laughed despite myself.“Okay, Mavis, schedule a meeting and we can discuss the February issue again.”
She nodded, looking pleased.
Outside, a couple hurried past, scarves wrapped tight, shoulders hunched against the cold.Everyone moving forward.No one standing still.
“I don’t think he’s punishing you,” Mavis said.“I think he’s hiding.”
“I know,” I said.“That’s the problem.”
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable.It was honest.
“So, what now?”Dixie asked between chews.“Because I know you, and you don’t sit in limbo well.”
