The city lights were already flickering to life by the time Isabelle made it to Sophia’s new apartment—a cozy two-bedroom on the sixth floor of a modern building tucked between a yoga studio and a bakery that always smelled like cinnamon and fresh hope. The hallway outside smelled faintly of lavender from someone’s diffuser, and inside, Sophia’s place radiated that same soft comfort Isabelle had been chasing all day.
It was quiet here. Warm. Safe. Lived-in. Uncomplicated.
She needed that tonight more than she wanted to admit.
Sophia opened the door barefoot, wearing leggings and a faded tee that said Don’t Tell Me to Calm Down. Her hair was in a messy bun and she already had a wine glass in hand.
She took one look at Isabelle’s face and didn’t bother with pleasantries. “I was just abou
