"It's been way too long, Nic," Melanie adds, placing her fork on the table. She leans in slightly, her eyes glittering with that familiar warmth, but there's something different beneath it: inquiry, perhaps even distrust. "I can't believe we're finally doing this."
Despite the fact that it seems a little forced, I smile. "Yeah, things have been a little chaotic as of late. I had no idea that we would actually have the time to do it.
She laughs and shakes her head in a chuckle. "Please explain it to me. I'm guessing that you're currently knee-deep in work with Tyler, right? I have no idea how productive he is as a manager. He’s so... meticulous.”
There’s an edge to her tone, subtle but noticeable. I push a piece of lettuce around my plate, trying to keep my face neutral.
Tyler isn’t on
