The knock came at seven. Three sharp raps.
Leighton opened the door. Chloe stood there holding two bottles of wine and a bag of takeout. Her smile was bright. Genuine.
"Surprise!"
Guilt hit like a fist to the stomach.
"Chloe. Hey. I wasn't expecting you."
"I know. That's why it's a surprise." Chloe pushed past her into the apartment. Stopped. Looked around. Her smile faltered. "Oh. Wow. This is... cozy."
Cozy. Code for tiny.
"It's not much but it's mine." Leighton closed the door. Tried to see the space through Chloe's eyes. Peeling paint on the ceiling. Water stain in the corner. Kitchen barely big enough for one person. The whole apartment was smaller than Noah's bedroom.
"Where's your couch?"
"Don't have one yet. Still saving up." Leighton gestured to the two folding chairs by
