Caraâs lips quirked slightly at his first remark, a quiet acknowledgment of the truth in it. âI guess some things donât change,â she mused, letting her gaze drift over the bookshelves before settling back on him.
But then he said itâI was just starting to feel like it was getting lonely here. And for a moment, she didnât know what to say. The words hung between them, unspoken yet understood, and something in her softened.
Her fingers traced absent patterns against the bookâs worn cover. âIâm glad theyâre okay,â she said first, because she knew that mattered. And you? She studied him, taking in the weight behind his words. âAnd youâll be better,â she added, quieter but certain. A beat passed, and thenâbecause she never was one to let the air grow too heavyâshe let out a breath of something between a sigh and a small laugh. âMaybe we both just have impeccable timing.â She hesitated, then with a small, knowing smile, added, âOr maybe Fate knew something we simply didnâtâor couldnât admit.â
Her fingers finally released the book as she shifted slightly toward him. âJoin me for a cup of tea? We can talk about books, orââ her lips twitched, playful now, âanything but fate, if youâd rather.â