When they reached Emily's apartment building, the rain had become heavier.
Alexander stepped out and opened an umbrella.
Emily laughed.
"This feels familiar."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"The rain?"
Emily nodded.
"Last time we met in the rain too."
Alexander remembered.
The coffee accident.
Emily smiled slightly.
"You looked terrifying that day."
Alexander smirked.
"I was annoyed."
Emily laughed.
"I thought you would fire me before hiring me."
Alexander looked at her for a moment.
"You weren't afraid."
Emily shrugged.
"I've dealt with worse."
Alexander noticed the determination in her eyes again.
The same determination that had caught his attention that first day.
For a moment, the rain fell quietly around them.
Neither of them moved.
Finally Emily spoke softly.
"Thank you for the ride."
Alexander nodded.
But as she walked toward her building—
He suddenly realized something.
For the first time in years…
He had enjoyed a simple conversation.