?Chapter 2011:


    With a nce at her watch, Hadley realized she still had time before Joy finished her sses.


    She offered, “Should Ie to your office, then?”


    “No,” Zane answered, “I’m not there. I know your studio and I’m nearby. Can you wait for me? I’lle pick you up.”


    “Alright, I’ll be here,” said Hadley, agreeing without hesitation. “See you soon.”


    Once the call ended, Hadley stepped out of the studio and took her ce by the front entrance. Nearly six minutes ticked by before Zane finally pulled up.


    “Hadley.” Zane brought his car to a stop right outside the building, ignoring the no-parking signs.


    Hadley turned to Tamara and said, “Mr. Hayes wants to speak with me. I’ll ride with him.”


    “Okay,” Tamara replied.


    As Hadley settled into the passenger seat of his car, Zane made a suggestion. “Let’s go somewhere close by where we can talk quietly.”


    Sitting across from Zane at a small cafe, Hadley studied him for a moment before remarking, “You look exhausted, as if you just got off a ne. Did you juste back from another work trip?”


    “Yes and no,” Zane answered as he lifted the ss and took a small sip of water. “I just flew in, but it wasn’t for business. I went overseas.”


    He set the water ss down and continued, “School started up again in Aradimen. I needed to go there myself and get Vivian settled.”


    “I see,” Hadley replied with a warm nod and a smile, letting him know she understood. Curiosity getting the better of her, she pressed on. “So, what made you want to meet up with me today?”


    “Oh, right!” A light chuckle escaped Zane as he rubbed his forehead. “I almost forgot—I picked up some gifts for Joy while I was away, mostly just toys. They’re still in my trunk. I’ll hand them over to youter.”


    “That’s thoughtful of you,” Hadley said, grateful for the gesture. “Thank you.” Still, she doubted this was the true reason for their meeting.


    Stories live now on galnσ??????????o??


    “Hadley.” Zane’s yful look faded, reced by something a little more serious. His tone grew hesitant. “I wanted you to know that I—L also went back to Aradimen. She won’t be bothering you anymore.”


    “That’s alright,” Hadley responded, taking the news in stride, assuming he hade to make amends. She shook her head gently and smiled. “Honestly, she never really bothered me.”


    Even though L could be a handful, Zane had dealt with things in a reasonable way.


    “You’ve already said sorry, and I never med you.”


    “No, this isn’t about apologizing.” Zane stopped her with a small shake of his head, taking a steadying breath and mustering up his courage. “What I really want to ask is… Hadley, could I have a few more chances to spend time with you?”


    Hearing that, Hadley froze with her ss in hand, caught off guard.


    She wondered if he truly meant what she thought he did.


    .


    .


    .