Adriana arrived first.
Her blonde hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, face flawless, but her left foot bounced under the table like a trapped animal.
Every time the bell above the door chimed, her spine straightened, eyes snapping to the entrance.
She had been here ten minutes early on purpose. Control the space. Choose the table. Sit with her back to the wall so Merlina had to walk toward her.
The Café was quiet this early. Soft indie music played through the central speakers. Only a handful of customers murmured at other tables.
Another chime.
This time it was her.
Merlina stepped inside, coat unbuttoned, she stopped just after the entrance, scanning the room with the quiet caution of someone who already regretted coming.
When she spotted Adriana, she paused for half a second, before moving toward her.
"Adriana." Her voice came out calm and low. Like she was greeting an old colleague instead of the woman whose relationship she'd just blown up.
