Page 101 of Cava with My Colleague

I wake up to sunlight streaming through Carlos’s bedroom window and the smell of coffee brewing. His side of the bed is empty, the sheets still warm.

After unpacking, we went over to his place to stay the night. It makes more sense because of Izan. We spent the entire night just the two of us, mostly in bed, exchanging I love yous so often I should be sick of hearing it. But I’m not.

That should terrify me.

Instead, I’m lying in Carlos’s bed, in his T-shirt, listening to him move around the kitchen, and I’m . . . happy.

I grab my phone from the nightstand. The group chat is active, as always.

Emma

Morning check-in! How’s everyone?

Sara

Chris is still asleep. I’m having tea on the balcony. London is gray but beautiful.

Tessa

Luc and I are at the market. He’s arguing with a vendor about tomatoes. It’s very French.

Emma

Jade?

Jade

Still in bed. Carlos is making coffee.

Emma

Swoon.

Tessa

Agree.

Also we want updates on the permanent position!

Jade

Meeting with Rebecca today. Fingers crossed.

I read back through the chat—Tessa’s tomato argument, Sara’s gray London morning, Emma asking after everyone before she’s even had coffee—and something settles in my chest. Twelve months of this. Different cities, different time zones, different lives, and still the first thing we do in the morning is find each other.

Jade

Just so you all know. I’m keeping you forever. That’s non-negotiable.

Emma

Obviously.

Sara

Was that ever in question?

Tessa