I knew Rhys in a very specific context, but also not necessarily that much about him. Like Kate, I knew him backwards.
Normal relationships started casual, full of small talk, learning favorite movies and bands, saying hi in the halls. After a few months, maybe it progressed into the heavy stuff, the family drama, the insecurities, the secret passions.
And then there was us. Nia left so little time for small talk, getting right into the weird, dark intimacy that came from being buried under secrets together.
I forgot how to do small talk. What used to be the easiest thing in the world knotted up my tongue so I couldn't get the words out.
Instead, I did my best Rhys impressions, studying him as he emptied a sugar packet into his coffee.
"That's my thing," he said, breaking the long sil
