“They’re the only ones I’ve got.”
That almost gets a smile out of her.
Almost.
She studies me again, slower this time.
“You’re not just asking random questions,” she says.
“No.”
“You’re looking for something specific.”
“Yeah.”
She nods once, like she’s coming to a decision.
“Then maybe you should tell me what you think happened.”
I hold her gaze.
Because now it matters.
“Right now?” I say quietly.
Her pulse ticks in her throat. I see it.
“Yeah?”
“It feels like you forgot me.”
She stiffens just slightly.
“People don’t just forget someone like that,” she says.
I don’t look away.
“Exactly.”
63
Blaze
She shouldn’t invite me in.
I can see the moment the thought crosses her mind—the hesitation, the calculation.
Then the café door swings open behind her, a couple walking out, eyes already drifting our way.
Attention.
She doesn’t want it.
“Do you want coffee?” she asks.
The words come out quick, like she didn’t mean to say them.
I blink.
