I saw Evan again at the campus print shop, three days after he asked for time.
I had been standing in line with a folder of presentation boards when he came in behind me. He noticed me. I noticed him noticing me. Neither of us moved for a moment.
"Hi," I said.
"Hi."
I stepped aside to let him reach the counter. "You're ahead of me."
"I can wait."
"That's not necessary."
"I know."
We stood in the narrow line with a polite distance between us. The printer behind the desk hummed and stopped. I could feel the conversation we weren't having, pressing against the quiet.
When the attendant asked Evan what he needed, he ordered a stack of event flyers. The print job took longer than mine. I collected my boards and turned to leave.
"Claire," Evan said.
I stopped.
"I haven't decided what
