“Amelia."
She turned at the sound of her name.
Felix stood in the doorway of the small café, suit a little rumpled, tie loosened like he'd just escaped a meeting. He crossed the room in a few long strides.
“Sorry I'm late," he said as he reached her table. “Traffic."
“You're early," she said. “I came straight from school."
He glanced at the clock, then at her, and smiled. “Still the punctual one," he said.
She gestured to the seat opposite. “Sit."
He pulled the chair out and set his phone face down on the table. No checking, no half-distracted glances. His attention settled fully on her.
“How have you been?" he asked. “Not the polite version. The real one."
“Fine," she said automatically.
He just looked at her.
Amelia sighed. “Tired," she corrected. “But okay. The kids talk too
