Jaxson didn't text that morning.
Brinley noticed it while brushing her teeth, the quiet absence louder than anything he could've sent. No good morning. No check-in. Just space, exactly what she'd asked for.
And somehow, that mattered more than words ever had.
She left the apartment early, the sky still pale, her breath fogging in the cool air. Work waited, life waited, and she was determined not to let her thoughts circle him the way they always did. Still, when she locked the door, her gaze flicked once, just once, toward the parking lot.
His truck wasn't there.
She exhaled. Relief and disappointment tangled together in her chest.
At the café, Nitika was already at their usual table, one leg tucked beneath her, fingers wrapped around a mug like she was guarding it from the world.
"You look like someone who slept but didn't rest," Nitika said gently as Brinley slid into the chair across from her.
Brinley huffed a small laugh. "Is it that obvious?"
"To me? Always."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Nitika tilted her head. "Did he text?"
Brinley shook her head. "No. And… that's the point."
Nitika studied her, eyes sharp but kind. "How does that make you feel?"
Brinley searched for the answer. "Respected," she finally said. "Terrified. Calm. All at once."
Nitika smiled softly. "That sounds like healing trying to happen."
"Or me bracing for disappointment."
"Both can be true," Nitika said. "But the difference this time?" She leaned forward. "You're watching what he does. Not what he promises."
Brinley nodded slowly. That was it, wasn't it? Jaxson hadn't sworn anything. He hadn't asked for forgiveness or pushed for more. He'd simply shown up, then stepped back when asked.
Consistency without pressure.
It scared her more than his distance ever had.
Brandon was waiting when she got home that evening, arms crossed, leaning against the railing like he'd been carved there out of pure brotherly concern.
"You look ambushed," Brinley muttered, dropping her bag.
"Because you are," Brandon replied. "By me."
She sighed. "What's wrong now?"
He straightened, expression serious but not hostile. "I ran into Jaxson."
Her heart stuttered