CLAIRE

Ethan was home when the movers arrived.

I had hoped he wouldn't be, not because I was afraid of him, but because I was tired of every practical step turning into an emotional event.

The truck had barely stopped in front of the house when the front door opened. Etha

CLAIRE

Roman was seven minutes late for our first date.

I enjoyed that more than I should have. When he walked into the restaurant, I checked my phone dramatically.

"Roman Pierce. Late."

He pulled out the chair across from me. "Traffic."

"Excuses already. This

CLAIRE

Vanessa arrived nine minutes early.

I knew because I arrived five minutes early and she was already sitting by the window with untouched coffee in front of her.

She looked smaller somehow. Not physically. Just less certain.

For years, Vanessa had entered