Leighton couldn't sleep. The hotel room was too quiet. Too empty. She stared at the ceiling. Counted sheep. Tried meditation. Nothing worked.
11:47 PM. Thirteen minutes until tomorrow. Until the wedding.
Her phone lit up. Text from Noah.
*You awake?*
*Can't sleep. You?*
*Same. Meet me on the balcony? Third floor. The one overlooking the garden.*
*We're not supposed to see each other. Bad luck.*
*That's for the bride and groom. We're not breaking any tradition.*
She smiled. Typed back. *Give me five minutes.*
She pulled on jeans. Noah's sweatshirt she'd stolen. Ran a brush through her hair. Didn't bother with makeup. He'd seen her at her worst. This was nothing.
The hallway was empty. Silent. Everyone asleep. Preparing for tomorrow.
The balcony door was open. Cool air rushed in.
