I drive home with the windows cracked, letting the cool air keep me steady. The sun is low by the time I pull into the driveway.
I unlock the door and step inside.
Bear comes barreling into the hallway, nails skittering on the floor as he launches himself at my legs like I’ve been gone for a week.
“Hey,” I say automatically, rubbing his ears. “You’re going to trip me one day.”
His tail thumps hard against the wall.
Then I hear soft footsteps.
Talia appears at the end of the hallway.
And for a second, my chest loosens just from seeing her.
She’s wearing one of my hoodies, sleeves pushed up, hair pulled into a messy knot.
She smiles, but it doesn’t fully reach her eyes. “Hi,” she says.
“Hey,” I reply, walking over to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Her arms wrap around me loosely, but her usual enthusiasm is missing.
I pull back and study her. “You okay?”
“Of course,” she says quickly, smiling too tightly.
Maybe something with Katia?
“You sure?” I ask quietly.
She nods. “Just tired.”
I watch her for another moment, then let it go.
Dinner is simple. Pasta. Salad. But delicious as always.
Only our interactions feel a little… off.
We sit across from each other at the table. Bear lies under my chair, occasionally lifting his nose into the air like he’s evaluating the smell.
She laughs at the right moments, but her smiles fade faster than usual. Like her mind is somewhere else.
I wait.
I let her settle.
Because I’ve got something that’s going to light her up, and I want to see it.
When we’re halfway through dinner, I set my fork down.
“Okay,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I did something.”
Her brows lift slightly. “Like… illegal?”
I huff a short laugh. “No.”
“That’s disappointing.”
