Victoria's phone buzzed, surprising her from her thoughts. She looked at the screen, her heart beating faster when she saw the name: Barry.
"Hello?" she spoke, her voice barely loud.
"Vicky? It's me, Barry. How are you doing?"
Victoria sighed, sitting on the soft sofa in her living room. "I've been better, honestly. This whole marriage... it's not what I expected."
Barry's voice was warm and comforting. "I can only imagine. Listen, I know we haven't talked in a while, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to. No strings attached, I promise."
Victoria hesitated. She knew she shouldn't, but the need for a friendly ear was too strong to ignore. "That would be nice. Are you free for coffee tomorrow?"
"For you? Always. How about that little café near Central Park? Say, 2 PM?"
"I'll be
