She just… understood.
Like it wasn’t even a question.
“I wasn’t overwhelmed,” I say automatically. Even though I was.
She hums softly, like she doesn’t believe me.
Or she doesn’t feel the need to argue.
The silence settles again, thicker this time.
“You stayed,” she adds after a moment.
I glance at her. “What?”
“You stayed,” she repeats. “That’s what matters.”
My chest tightens. I don’t know what to do with that.
I look out the window, trying to slow the thoughts racing through my head.
This shouldn’t feel like something shifted. But it does.
She pulls up in front of my place and puts the car in park.
The engine hums softly between us.
I don’t move right away. Neither does she.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say finally.
“Of course.”
I reach for the door handle and pause.
“Thanks for the date. And everything... last night.”
She smiles softly.
“Anytime.”
She says it like she means it.
We sit there, staring at one another. Tension crackles between us.
Finally, I break it by turning away.
“Drew,” she says quietly.
I look at her.
“Have a good day,” she says instead.
I nod. “Yeah,” I say. “You too.”
I get out and start toward the door.
I don’t turn around.
