After wrapping up my sessions early, I headed to the construction site to pick up Donald. Seeing him in his high-visibility vest and scuffed boots, surrounded by the rhythmic hum of machinery, made my chest swell with pride.

Despite everything, he was forging his own path, and I admired him for that.

He spotted my car as I pulled up, giving me a casual wave before making his way over.

"Hey," he greeted as he slid into the passenger seat, dropping his bag by his feet. "Thanks for coming to get me."

"Anytime," I replied with a smile.

Donald smirked at that but didn't say much else as I pulled away from the site. The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't exactly warm either. It was the kind of silence that needed just a little effort to break, a bridge waiting to be built.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, glancing over at him.

"I could eat," he admitted, his tone casual but grateful.

We ended up at a cozy diner a few blocks away, one of those places that smelled of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon no matter the time of day. Donald ordered a burger and fries, while I settled for a cup of tea, content to watch him dig in.

As he dug into his food, the awkwardness between us began to fade, replaced by the familiar rhythm of siblings who were finding their way back to each other.

"You look like you had a long day," I teased, gesturing at the way he was inhaling his food.

"Work's no joke," he said between bites. "But it's honest."

I reached into my bag and pulled out a small folder, sliding it across the table to him. "Speaking of work, I came across something I think you should take a look at."

His brow furrowed as he wiped his hands on a napkin, picking up the folder.

"I spoke to someone, and it's a solid offer. The pay is good, and the position even comes with accommodation." I explained, watching him closely for his reaction.

He glanced at the papers, his expression unreadable. "What kind of job?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "It's with a logistics company. The person I spoke to is expanding their operations and looking for recruits. They're actually planning to open a new branch overseas, and they need someone reliable to help set things up."

Donald's eyes lifted to mine, surprise evident in his gaze. "Overseas?"

"In the UK," I said softly, gauging his reaction. "I know it's a lot, and if it's a deal breaker, I completely understand. I just... I wanted to make sure you had options."

He leaned back in his seat, the gears in his mind visibly turning.

"You've done a lot for me already, Ruby," he said after a moment, his voice steady. "Thank you. I mean it. I'll think about it, I promise."

"That's all I ask," I said with a small smile, relief washing over me.

We let the conversation drift to lighter topics after that. He told me about his coworkers, the ones he liked and the ones who drove him crazy, and I filled him in on a few anecdotes from my sessions-nothing confidential, of course, just enough to make him laugh.

As the check came and he reached for his wallet, I stopped him.

"My treat," I said firmly.

"Ruby," he began to protest, but I shot him a look that immediately silenced him.

Outside, as we leaned against my car, I brought up something else that had been on my mind.

"Have you thought more about school?" I asked, my voice casual.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. I want to sign up for some part-time courses eventually. Maybe start with a few night classes, see how it goes."

"I'll help you with it," I offered without hesitation.

He shook his head, a determined glint in his eye. "No, Ruby. This is something I need to do on my own. But don't worry, if I ever get stuck, I promise, you'll be the first person I call."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Deal."

I drove him home, and parked in the driveway.

"You coming in?" Donald asked, pausing as he grabbed his bag.

"Of course," I said with a small smile. "I should say hi."

Inside, the familiar warmth of home greeted me, along with the unmistakable aroma of something baked-probably Mama's famous cinnamon rolls. Papa was reading in his favorite armchair, and Mama bustled in from the kitchen when she heard our voices.

We chatted for a while, catching up on small things and sharing a few laughs. It felt good-natural, even-to be here once again, surrounded by my family.

When it was time to leave, I hugged each of them goodbye, promising to visit again soon. Donald walked me to my car, his expression thoughtful.

"Thanks for everything," he said sincerely as I climbed into the driver's seat.

"Always," I replied giving him a warm smile.

As I drove home, the weight of the day lingered, but it wasn't heavy-it was hopeful.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, the night had fully settled in, the darkness embracing the world outside. I let out a slow breath as I unlocked the door, stepping into the familiar warmth of the house. The scent of the potpourri lingered in the air, its softness wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

The house was silent-Frida wouldn't be home for a while. This was my moment to breathe, to carve out some time for myself.

I kicked off my heels, the tension in my feet immediately easing as I slipped into my favorite slippers. The soft fabric felt like a reprieve, a small comfort in the stillness.

I glanced around the quiet room, allowing the serenity to sink in before I made my way to the kitchen. The wine bottle was open, and the sound of liquid filling my glass was strangely soothing, like a promise of relief.

Settling into the couch, I curled my legs beneath me and unlocked my phone, letting the screen light up in my hands. A missed call from Alex.

"Perfect timing," I murmured, a soft smile tugging at my lips as I tapped the screen, my heart giving a small, unexpected flutter.

The video call connected almost instantly, and there he was-his face framed in the soft, golden light of the hotel, still looking effortlessly polished despite the laid-back atmosphere. Behind him, the muted sounds of a lively gathering floated in the background, but he seemed worlds apart from the buzz, his attention solely on me.

"Hey, Ruby," his voice was warm, carrying a quiet intensity, and when his smile widened at the sight of me, it was impossible to miss how much it lit up his features. "How's the night treating you?"

"Better now that I'm talking to you," I said with a teasing smile, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of my wine glass. "How did the commissioning go?"

He leaned back in his chair, the easy confidence he always exuded apparent as he surveyed his surroundings. "It was fine-lots of mingling, a few speeches. You know how it is," he waved his hand dismissively, but I could sense something in the slight tension of his shoulders. "Still, it would've been better if you were there."

I raised an eyebrow, an unexpected heat creeping up my neck. "You're just being kind."

"No," he said, his tone turning serious for a split second, a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. "I'm not. It's not the same without you. You've always been the one to keep things grounded."

There it was again-the way his words always seemed to find their mark, making something flutter inside me.

I laughed softly to cover the sudden wave of emotion that rose, though it was harder to ignore than I'd like to admit. "Well, I'll just have to take your word for it. You're always off on some new adventure, anyway."

He smirked, but there was a quiet sadness in the shift of his expression. "True," he agreed, running a hand through his hair, the motion casual but carrying an undercurrent of something he wasn't saying. "But I wouldn't mind slowing down a little. More time with you... if I'm being honest."

His words landed between us, heavier than before, a subtle intimacy threading through them. I met his eyes, my chest tightening at the thought of him offering something more than just words. "I get it," I said softly, the weight of his honesty pulling me closer. "I've needed some time to figure things out too."

His gaze softened even more, his voice lowering, the shift in his tone unmistakable. "I admire that about you, Ruby. You always know what matters. What's important."

A quiet breath caught in my throat. He had a way of cutting through everything else, of speaking straight to the heart of things, and in that moment, the distance between us seemed to disappear.

I wanted to say something in return, to let him know how much his words meant, but I couldn't find the right way to shape it.

The silence stretched between us, comfortable yet pregnant with something unspoken. Then, after a beat, he added, "If you change your mind... you know I'll make it happen. Just say the word, and I'll have your flight booked. No questions asked."

His offer, so open, so trusting, stirred something deep inside me. I wanted to reach through the screen, to close the space between us, but instead, I smiled softly. "Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it. But for now... I think I'll stay grounded. There's enough to sort through."

He nodded, his lips curling into a smile that felt both relieved and understanding. "Alright. But don't forget-the offer stands. You deserve a break, Ruby. More than you know."

I nodded, the warmth of his words wrapping around me like a blanket. We talked for a while longer, the conversation easy despite the weight of what lingered between us. He spoke about the more mundane aspects of his job, which made me laugh, the sound filling the space in a way that felt like home.

Eventually, the conversation slowed, and I found myself reluctant to say goodbye.

"I should let you go," I said softly, the quiet settling in my chest. "You've had a long day."

"Yeah," he sighed, glancing toward the window behind him. There was a wistful look in his eyes as he seemed to lose himself in thought for a moment. "But listening to you... that calms me more than anything else. We'll talk again soon, Ruby."

I smiled, my chest lighter than it had been in weeks. "Definitely."

The call ended, and I leaned back against the couch, still holding that smile. The silence of the house was different now, infused with the weight of our conversation. There was a quiet kind of intimacy lingering in the air, like something had shifted without either of us needing to say it aloud.

I didn't hear Frida come in until she spoke.

"Hey, Red," she greeted, her voice as familiar as ever. I turned to see her stepping inside, a glow about her, her cheeks flushed with that unmistakable light of a good evening.

"Someone had a great time," I teased, raising my glass toward her, a warmth spreading through me at the sight of her.

She kicked off her heels and slumped dramatically into the armchair, stretching out with a deep, satisfied sigh. "Oh, it was perfect. We went out, had a blast, met his sister. But, of course, all good things must end. Now," she said, a wicked smile tugging at her lips, "I'm all yours. Spill-what's the latest on the family reunion?"

I filled her in, speaking slowly as I relayed everything about Donald, the job opportunity, the tentative steps we were taking. I was surprised by how much relief I felt just talking about it with her. Frida listened with intent, her eyes soft yet focused, absorbing every word.

"That's huge," she said, her voice warm with approval. "But what about the charges? Have you heard anything new?"

The question hit me like a cold splash of water, and my stomach tightened. "Honestly... I forgot about it. There's been so much else going on."

Frida's face shifted, her concern palpable as she reached for her phone. "I can ask Terry to look into it. He might be able to help with the case."

I shook my head, not wanting to impose, though her offer made my heart ache with gratitude. "You don't have to-"

"Stop it," she interrupted, her tone both playful and firm. "You know I'm not going to let you do this alone. I'll call him once I'm at my parents' place."

A lump formed in my throat. "Thank you. Really."

Frida leaned back, a self-satisfied grin curling on her lips. "Anytime. But enough about me being your fairy godmother. What's going on with Alex? You've got that look."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "He's... growing on me," I confessed, the words softer than I intended. "I wouldn't mind if it turned into something more serious."

Frida's eyes widened, her hand going to her chest in exaggerated shock. "My Red, falling for the Billionaire Architect? Oh, my heart!"

I swatted at her teasingly, my laughter bubbling up despite the tender ache in my chest. "Stop it, you're ridiculous."

We dissolved into giggles, the kind that felt like a release, the kind that left you breathless but lighter. The evening stretched on, and we settled in, the soft hum of our laughter filling the room.

🕚🕚

The house was quiet, save for the faint car honks outside and the distant chirp of birds.

I blinked awake, the warmth of the morning settling over me. It was still early, and Frida had yet to stir beside me. She was always the early riser, but after last night's laughter, it seemed like we both had a full night's sleep ahead of us.

I stretched beneath the covers, feeling the lingering weight of the conversation with Alex from last night. There was something comforting about his honesty, and yet, a part of me was still unsure of where things stood between us.

I wasn't ready to jump into anything, but the connection was undeniable, and his words had a way of making me think twice about my own reservations.

I rolled over and glanced at the clock. It was time to get up. I had work to do, and though my heart wasn't quite ready to face the demands of the day, my mind was already stirring with thoughts of everything I needed to accomplish.

Frida's flight to Italy later this afternoon was the top priority. I was happy to accompany her, if only to help her navigate the logistics of travel and say a proper goodbye before she left for her summer trip.

With a soft sigh, I got up, feeling the cool wood of the floor beneath my feet. I padded to the bathroom, washed my face, and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. The idea of coffee was welcomed, so I brewed some and filled my mug, taking a long, deep sip to wake myself fully.

Frida would be up soon. I knew her well enough to anticipate her routine-quick shower, throw on an outfit that made her look effortlessly put together, and then a few frantic moments of packing before running out the door.

I settled in at the kitchen table, pulling my laptop from my bag and opening up my work. I had a few sessions scheduled for the day, but nothing too pressing. It felt nice to be able to work from home today, to have the flexibility to step away when the time came for Frida's airport run.

The quiet was soothing, and as I glanced over the papers in front of me, I couldn't help but think about everything that had been weighing on me lately.

Donald and the job offer, the charges against him... It all felt like a delicate balance. I hoped that with time, everything would start to fall into place, but for now, I just had to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Just as I was about to dive into the first session of the day, I heard Frida's footsteps coming down the stairs. She appeared in the doorway, her face already bright and awake despite the early hour.

"Morning, Red," she greeted with a smile, her voice still a little rough from sleep. "Coffee's brewing?"

"Already made," I replied with a grin. "It's just waiting for you."

She smirked, heading straight for the counter and grabbing her mug. "You're too good to me."

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her take the first sip, her expression immediately relaxing into one of pure satisfaction. We didn't say much at first, both of us content in the silence that filled the space between us. But then, she broke it, her voice quieter than usual.

"Are you sure you don't mind coming with me to the airport? I know you have work to do."

I glanced up from my laptop, meeting her eyes. "Of course not," I replied easily. "I've got the day free, and besides, I want to be there. It's not just about getting you to the airport. It's about making sure you have everything you need for your trip. You know how much I worry about you."

Frida let out a small laugh, her shoulders relaxing. "I'm fine, Ruby. But I'm glad you're coming. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I smiled softly, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest. "You'd figure it out, like always."

She raised an eyebrow at me, clearly not convinced. But instead of pressing, she simply let it go, and I returned to my work, the clack of keys filling the room.

We both fell into our respective routines as the morning wore on, but I could tell Frida's excitement was starting to build. She hadn't stopped talking about the trip for weeks, and now that the day had finally arrived, I could see her energy was starting to spill over.

Around midday, we finished up our tasks, and I found myself packing a bag with the essentials-my phone, my wallet, a few snacks for the drive. The plan was to leave a little earlier to avoid any airport delays, and I was determined to make the trip as smooth as possible for Frida. She deserved a smooth departure, especially after everything she'd been juggling lately.

Frida joined me in the car shortly after, looking fresh and ready for the journey ahead, though there was a quiet undercurrent of tension in her expression that didn't go unnoticed. I wanted to ask, to dig deeper, but for now, I left her to her thoughts.

We both knew there would be time to talk once she arrived safely at her destination. For now, all I could do was be there for her, just like she had been there for me.

The drive to the airport passed quickly, the hum of the road filling the quiet space between us. Frida had her earbuds in, scrolling through her phone, while I kept my hands firmly on the wheel, stealing the occasional glance at her. She looked calm, but I knew her too well. There was a mix of excitement and hesitation in her eyes, like she couldn't quite decide if she was ready for what lay ahead.

By the time we reached the terminal, the bustling energy of the airport had swallowed us whole. Frida hefted her bag out of the car, and I quickly took the handle, earning a small, appreciative smile from her.

"Thanks, Red. I've got it from here," she said, but I shook my head and motioned for her to lead the way.

"Let me help you through check-in at least," I replied, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Together, we navigated the crowds, weaving between families, couples, and travelers rushing to catch their flights. The automated check-in kiosk was mercifully quick, and soon enough, we were standing in line at the security checkpoint.

"Are you sure you've got everything?" I asked, glancing at her bag.

Frida nodded, patting her tote. "Passport, boarding pass, charger, snacks... I triple-checked this morning."

"Good." I smiled, trying to hide the pang of sadness that was slowly building in my chest.

The line moved forward, and soon it was time for her to head through security. Frida turned to me, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.

"Guess this is it," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the noise around us.

I opened my arms, and she stepped into the hug without hesitation. I held her tightly, closing my eyes for a moment. "You're going to have the best time, Frida. A great summer is waiting for you, and so are your parents. Just promise me you'll text when you land, okay?"

She pulled back slightly, her own eyes glistening. "Of course. You know I will."

I gave her a wry smile. "And don't forget to send me pictures of all the cuisine you'll be enjoying. I need to live vicariously through you."

She laughed, the sound lighter now, like the tension had eased a little. "Deal. And you... just promise me you'll take care of yourself while I'm gone. No overworking. No overthinking."

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head. "No promises on the second one, but I'll try."

Frida smiled and stepped back, grabbing her bag. "I'll see you soon, Red."

"See you soon," I echoed, watching as she turned and joined the line for security.

I stayed until she passed through the checkpoint, our eyes meeting one last time before she waved and disappeared into the crowd beyond. My chest tightened, and I lingered there for a moment, staring after her even as she was out of sight.

We would text, call, and video chat, but it wasn't the same as having her here, sharing coffee in the mornings or laughing over silly things at night. The house would feel emptier without her.

I sighed and turned to leave, pulling my phone from my bag as I made my way back to the car. My hand hovered over the screen, tempted to send her a quick message, but I held back. She deserved to focus on her trip, and I could wait.

The drive home felt longer, the quiet more noticeable without Frida beside me.

By the time I reached the house, the weight of her absence had settled over me. I placed my keys on the counter and sank into the couch, letting out a slow breath.

I'd be fine. I always was. But, for now, I allowed myself to miss her.