The warmth from the morning hadn't faded, even as the city swallowed me into its steel and glass. It was still there—woven into the way I carried myself, in the easy lift at the corner of my mouth.
Val had done that. A sleepy-eyed Val, hair mussed in a way she'd never let anyone else see, standing barefoot in the kitchen, insisting I eat before heading out. She didn't even realize how dangerously beautiful she looked when she was tired. Or maybe she did. Either way, I'd replayed the image more times than I cared to admit before stepping through Gray & Milton's doors.
Inside, the office buzzed with the muted rhythm of productivity. Phones clicked into receivers, printers hummed, and voices spoke in professional, clipped tones. I gave a few nods and exchanged half-smiles as I passed familiar faces. Priya already had her head down at her desk, typing like the computer owed her rent.
Derrick lifted a hand in greeting, mouthing a loud, "Morning, lover boy," that made me roll my eyes.
