Victoria’s heels clicked rapidly on the pavement as she hurried through the dimly lit park. Her watch read 9:15 PM. “Damn it,” she muttered, quickening her pace.
The old coffee shop came into view, a warm glow spilling from its windows. Through the glass, she spotted a familiar figure hunched over a table. Her heart skipped a beat.
Taking a deep breath, Victoria pushed open the door. The bell jingled, announcing her arrival.
Barry’s head snapped up, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. “Vicky! I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.”
“It’s Victoria now,” she corrected automatically, sliding into the seat across from him. “And sorry I’m late. Family dinner ran long.”
Barry’s brow furrowed. “Family dinner? On a weeknight? That’s new.”
Victoria hesitated, then sighed. “A lot’s new,
