The window lowered.
"Elena."
She looked up.
Alex.
He leaned slightly toward the wheel, eyes searching her face. "Hey."
"Hey," she replied, surprised.
She hesitated. "You didn't have to—"
"I know," he said gently. "Get in."
After a brief pause, she did.
The car moved, silence settling between them—not uncomfortable, just careful.
"Do you want ice cream?" Alex asked suddenly.
She turned to him. "How did you know?"
He smiled. "Lucky guess."
They stopped at a small ice cream place, the kind with bright lights and simple joy. They sat outside, plastic spoons clinking softly.
Elena told him about the interview. About the company. About how much she liked it.
"I know you'll get the job," Alex said without hesitation.
She looked at him. "You sound sure."
"I am."
The evening crept in quietly. Streetlights flickered on as they drove back, the sky painted in deep blue and gold.
When they reached her building, Alex parked.
She opened the door. "Thank you. For today."
