ed her sleep. Eugina lay facing away from him, her fair skin luminous in the soft light. The duvet was pulled up to her shoulders, but her bare arm rested on top, soft and curved. Her

e click of the lock echoed in the sudden quiet of the vast room. Jerry stood by the bed, the air feeling empty without her presence. His mind was a jumble of her fair skin, her practical movements, the surprisingly soft sound of her voice, and the simple, transactional nature of her goodbye. He just couldn't shake her. He showered quickly, the hot spray doing little to clear his head. He dressed in fresh clothes and left the hotel, the valet bringing his car around. The city outside was already buzzing, the luxury cars sleek and shiny as they navigated the wide streets. Jerry drove through the familiar, affluent neighborhoods, the towering glass buildings reflecting the morning sun. His apartment, a penthouse overlooking the city, was the epitome of modern luxury – minimalist furniture, abstract art, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view. He stepped inside the cool, silent space. It smelled faintly of expensive cleaning supplies and something sterile. Just as the door clicked shut behind him, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out. Ruby. His childhood friend. A smile touched his lips. He knew she'd give him hell. He'd promised to let her know the second he landed, and that had been two days ago. He hit accept. "Hey, Ruby." "Jerry! You asshole!" her voice was loud, warm, and full of mock outrage. "You've been in town for two days and you didn't tell me? I heard you were back through Ben. Ben, Jerry! You seriously gonna let Benson break the news?" Jerry chuckled, leaning against the cool marble counter of his kitchen island. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Got in, jet lag hit like a truck, crashed hard." It wasn't entirely a lie. He had been busy. Busy reconnecting with the city, busy trying to find something he didn't know he was looking for. "I was gonna call you today, promise. How are you doing, Rubes?" "I'm good. Worried about you, clearly, since you're apparently incapable of dialing a phone," she retorted, though the anger was f