Lyra must have been having the time of her life with Emma, because she didn’t bother to call me once every weekend. By Monday, I was back to my routine at the office. Near the end of the day, Zoe called, insisting she take me out for dinner. Halfway through the meal, I excused myself to the restroom.
That’s when I saw him.
Steve.
Our eyes met for the briefest second before I deliberately looked past him, walking by as if he were invisible. But he stopped, turning to watch me. I ignored him and kept going.
When I came out, he was still there, leaning casually against the wall like he’d been waiting for me.
“Eating here?” he asked.
His voice was neutral, but I could hear something beneath it. Curiosity? Guilt? I wasn’t interested in finding out.
“Yes,” I said, my tone flat and co
