Before I walk away

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to be excused for anything. She twirled her fork between her fingers. "Funny," she said. "Camille was asking about you. Wanted to know how the trip went." Julian raised a brow. "Camille's asking about me now?" "She likes to stay updated," Nicole murmured. "And maybe she misses Kendra. It's been months since she's heard from her." He looked up at that-just a flicker, a shift behind the eyes-before taking a long sip of wine. "Kendra's been busy. I'm sure she'll reach out." "Hmm," Nicole said softly. "So... you didn't see her while you were away?" "Who?" "Kendra." He blinked. "Why would I?" She smiled. "No reason." He didn't ask again. And she didn't press. That was their rhythm now-two people pretending they still stood on the same side of the glass, even as the cracks deepened. They ate quietly for a while. She watched him not obviously, but closely. He seemed a little off tonight. Like his body was here, but his mind was miles away. "Julian," she said gently, "I've been thinking." He looked up. "Yeah?" "I want to go back to work." There it was, not a test, Just a truth. He froze,-not dramatically, just the kind of stillness only people skilled at staying composed could manage. His jaw tightened once, but his expression didn't change. "I thought we agreed you needed more time." "I did," she said calmly. "Now I want to start again." He picked up his glass, swirling it once. "What kind of work?" "My kind." He gave a tight smile. "You know it's not that simple. You left the firm. You can't just walk back in." She leaned back in her chair. "Good thing I'm not asking for permission." His smile stretched a little wider, cooler. "Of course not. I just want what's best for you." Nicole tilted her head. "Do