The thought settles heavy in my stomach.
He walked in like he knew exactly who to look for.
Our eyes locked and he didn’t hesitate.
He saidmy woman.
My chest tightens.
He only came because Derek told him to.
Of course he did.
A man like him wouldn’t look twice at a girl like me otherwise.
I’m twenty-three. I work at a supermarket. I live in a tiny apartment with a radiator that rattles all night.
He looks like he’s lived a whole other life.
One that doesn’t include girls who panic in club bathrooms.
I take a breath and open the door.
He’s at the stove.
Making tea.
The kettle hisses softly. He turns as I step out.
His eyes sweep over me once.
“You okay?” he asks.
I nod.
“I’m fine.”
It’s a lie, but it’s the best I can do.
He pours the tea into two mugs and hands one to me. Our fingers brush.
My skin feels too sensitive.
“Thank you,” I say again.
He shrugs like it’s nothing.
We stand there in the small kitchen, steam rising between us.
I take a sip.
It’s too hot. I don’t care.
“How did you know it was me?”
He goes still.
Then his gaze rises. Blue. Direct. Unblinking.
