Warmth wrapped around us instantly—coffee, baked goods, low chatter, soft music playing overhead. We found a small table near the window and sat down, snow still clinging to our coats.
I leaned back slightly, meeting her eyes.
"See?" I said. "Five-star place."
She smiled, settling into her chair. "Alright. I'll trust you."
"I'll take a lemonade. What about you?"
"Same."
I nodded as the waiter stopped by our table, notepad already in hand.
"Two lemonades," I said, glancing at Mendy. "Right?"
"Yep. Thank you."
The waiter scribbled, gave us a quick nod, and disappeared back toward the counter.
I leaned forward and shrugged out of my jacket, hanging it on the back of my chair. Mendy mirrored me a second later, slipping off her coat and draping it neatly over hers. It felt oddly synchronized, like we'd done this before.
"So," I said, clapping my hands together once and leaning back in my chair. "Ms. Mendy Argin. What's next for you?"
She blinked. "What do you mean?"
