~ Becca ~
I didn’t plan to see Brielle that day.
Which probably made it worse for her.
I was at a café near the firm. Not a trendy one. Not a “scene.” Just coffee, glass windows, and people who minded their business. I liked places like that now. Low noise. High visibility. Power without trying.
Jace was late. Shocking.
I was halfway through an email when the air shifted.
You know that feeling when someone’s staring at you too hard?
I looked up.
Brielle stood frozen just inside the door.
Same blonde hair. Same wide eyes. Same mouth that always looked like it was halfway to apologizing or lying. But the confidence she used to wear was gone. Stripped off her like cheap fabric.
She didn’t recognize me at first.
That part was delicious.
Her eyes skimmed past me, then snapped back.
