The elevator was already crowded when Lena stepped inside.
She took a place near the back, her portfolio resting against her side, phone loose in her hand. The doors closed quietly, and the elevator began its ascent. Lena shifted her weight, relaxing her shoulders as the motion evened.
Mornings like these appealed to her. Calm, dependable moments before the rest of the day could sweep her away.
Someone stepped in at the next stop.
He stood close enough for her to register him, though he neither crowded nor brushed past her. Once settled, he stayed still in a way that drew her attention.
Dark suit. Broad shoulders.
She caught his reflection in the steel wall, not by looking directly, but because it was there. His attention rested on her without hurry.
A few wisps of hair slipped free at the nape of her neck. She lifted her arms to gather her hair, twisting it into place. The movement pulled the fabric of her dress closer to her body, lifting the hem slightly before it settled back into place.
There was a subtle shift beside her. Gentle. Enough to notice.
Her pulse quickened, and she exhaled, annoyed at herself for reacting.
The elevator paused for another passenger, crowding the space further. Lena adjusted her stance, settling more comfortably.
As she turned, their eyes met.
His expression was composed, alert. He held her gaze without signaling anything else.
When the doors opened, Lena stepped out without looking back.
By the time she reached the conference room, it was nearly full. Familiar voices, routine sounds. She took her seat, opened her portfolio, and glanced at the agenda as the meeting came together.
A moment later, he walked in.
She noticed him immediately. Not because of where he sat, but because he moved through the room with the same quiet presence she had felt in the elevator.
He set his materials down and looked up.
Their eyes met again. Brief. Acknowledged. Nothing more.
The meeting began.
Lena spoke only when it mattered, her tone confident and direct. She didn't soften her points or rush through them. She felt comfortable, assured, settling easily into a role she knew well.
Once, she caught him watching her. Not openly. Just present.
She held his gaze for a moment before returning her attention to the table.
When the meeting ended and she gathered her belongings, the air felt different than it had before.
She rose from her seat. So did he.
At the door, he stepped aside to let her pass. She continued without slowing.
For the first time that morning, Lena found herself curious about what she might discover if she stayed still long enough to understand why.