Between the lines of love

spend the night wallowing in self-pity or cleaning

eamble. "I'm not taking no for an answer. I've got snacks, movies,

self. "Clara, I'm not

k, Ev, and I refuse to let you drown in it. Be her

of popcorn and the sound of Clara singing off-key to whatever was play

orite workaholic and

s trivia game where the loser had to do an impersonation of a celebrity. Clara's over-the-top i

ks. Clara always knew how to pull me out of my shell, reminding me

ways-me to work, her to her errands. As I walked to my car, I couldn't

-

che still lingering in my chest. Work had become my safe space-a place where heartb

a knock on the door broke my concentration. I looked up to see

cuss the project," she said,

e perfectly tailored, exuding the kind of confidence that came from knowing you belong in

said, his voice cal

equally polite. I gestured to the seat across from my

the project. Lucas's insights were sharp and practical, and I found myself appreciating

project's phases. He nodded, his brows furrowing

after a moment. "It should streaml

meeting flew by, the two of us working in sync as we ironed out t

velyn," Lucas said, stand

lds," I replied, shaking his hand. His g

t realize I'd been holding. It had been a productive meeting, but Luc

-

day. My apartment felt quiet-too quiet. It didn't help that Clara had dro

ne buzzed. I reached for it, frown

s of the upcoming presentation.

ure why it made my stomach twist. It was

I let out a long breath. The week ahead wa