“How have you been?” Jill asked with no affect.
Alex’s smile faded, and Jill was sure it was her cold demeanor that had extinguished it. Alex ignored Jill’s question. “I’ve been hoping to see you again.”
“Really?” Jill felt a sense of hope returning, but didn’t want to appear too eager.
“Actually, I’ve been keeping my eye out for you all week. I’ve been across the street for over an hour having lunch, just hoping that you would be here. And well, I finally gave up and was heading back to the gym when something told me I had to look one last time.”
“I’m glad you did.” Jill wanted to say more or at least smile, but her fear caused her to remain stoic. Jill knew Alex sensed her guardedness, but hoped she could also feel Jill’s deep yearning for connection. She saw the internal struggle r
