Julian was over by the bar, pouring himself another drink.

It was Chloe who looked up first, and her whole face changed the instant she saw me.

“Evelyn?” Julian froze with the bottle still tilted.

“What are you doing here?” Chloe said, sitting up fast.

“You said you weren’t coming back until next month.” I watched Julian’s eyes move from her face to mine, and I watched the recognition arrive, watched him place me at last.

“Wait,” he said slowly.