CLAIRE

Roman was seven minutes late for our first date.

I enjoyed that more than I should have. When he walked into the restaurant, I checked my phone dramatically.

"Roman Pierce. Late."

He pulled out the chair across from me. "Traffic."

"Excuses already. This

CLAIRE

Vanessa arrived nine minutes early.

I knew because I arrived five minutes early and she was already sitting by the window with untouched coffee in front of her.

She looked smaller somehow. Not physically. Just less certain.

For years, Vanessa had entered

CLAIRE

Ethan looked older than he had a week ago.

Not dramatically. He still wore the same expensive coat, the same watch, the same careful haircut. But something in his face had changed. The confidence was gone. So was that effortless warmth he use