The rain started without warning.
It tumbled hard, and fast, ribboning the city to a blend of silver and shadow. Bella was on the sidewalk under an awning of a portrait studio that was closed, her phone jammed to her ear, fatigue lacing the irritation in her voice.
“I know,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry. The subway stalled.”
She listened, nodded, and hung up with a sigh.
Her ride had been canceled. If anything, the storm was becoming stronger. She hesitated, then called up Julian’s name before she could talk herself out of it.
The phone rang once.
“Bella?” Julian’s voice was immediate, alert.
“I’m downtown,” she said. “My ride fell through. I can get a cab, but…”
“I’m on my way,” he said, already in motion.
“You don’t have to…”
“I know,” he replied. “I want to.”
The line went de
