in Elma's hand as she

ex," she gr

ing?" he replied with

ood, an

How was your fi

and smooth. I feel like the Saint Cla

that," Alex said. "

ding

ing by? I made you

se with excitement, eyes l

solu

n ten," she said,

g the driver Alex's address, she leaned back, watching the city blur past her window. Th

The familiar street brought a sense of calm. She climbed

," Alex's vo

there with a welcoming grin. Elma walked in an

he teased, handing her

the couch. "You know exactl

seat across from her, "

aire, the mansion, and her first impressions of Julian. She describ

k that made her laugh even harder. The two of them fell into an easy rhy

ed it in front of her. She took a bite and sighed in conte

m to p

e had deepened to twilight. Warm orange light filled the ro

fter a pause, her voice soft. "I did

ytime. That's wha

I forget... there's news that Saint Claire E

tened slightl

at. You should apply. There's an ope

eyes. "Thank you, Elma. That m

stood and began gathering her thi

dinner. And f

th her coat. Their fingers brushed, and for a fleeting

. "I had a

e t

brief moment before she gave hi

re, okay?

eplied, stepping

er go, a quiet smile on his face. Whatever the future hel