The glass doors slid open behind him, the low hum of the building spilling out for a second before it sealed shut again. Evening had settled properly now, the kind that softened the edges of everything without really cooling the air. The parking lot wasn't crowded, just a few cars scattered, engines ticking as they cooled.
Dayo stepped down the short set of stairs, adjusting his sleeve without thinking, his mind already moving ahead to what came next. He had barely taken three steps toward his car when he heard it.
"Dayo."
Not loud but just enough to stop him.
He turned.
Alice was standing a few feet away, just outside the glow of the building lights. Arms folded, one shoulder slightly angled like she hadn't decided if she wanted to stay or leave. She didn't look surprised to see him. If anything, she looked like she had been waiting.
