The tea place was quiet in the way expensive calm often was, soft music, warm lighting, too-clean windows, people speaking in low voices like loud emotions were impolite.
Eve arrived early.
She chose a table near the window where she could see outside. Habit. Survival.
She ordered herbal tea and kept her hands around the cup even before it arrived, as if she needed something warm to hold.
Her phone buzzed.
Ryan: I’m here. Outside. Not coming in. Just… here.
Eve stared at the message.
Then she exhaled softly, a strange combination of irritation and comfort tightening in her chest.
She typed back.
Eve: One hour.
A reply came almost instantly.
Ryan: Take all the time you need. But don’t forget you can leave.
Eve swallowed hard and put her phone face down.
When Alissa walked in, s
