It's 11.15 PM when I finally clock out. The cafe is quiet now, the last of the customers long gone, and the soft hum of the heater is the only sound left. I hang my apron on the back hook, stretch out my sore arms, and grab my coat.
Closing the cafe with Paul gives me some weird kind of strength. Tired, but at least I have a good partner shift. Paul already slides into his bicycle and waves at me.
My breath fogs slightly as I open the front door, and the cold air hits me like a gentle slap. Snow has started falling, just like the weather app promised.
Noah's waiting near the car, hands in his coat pockets, head tilted back like he's watching the flakes dance under the streetlight. When he sees me, he smiles, soft and easy. He doesn't say anything, just gestures to the passenger door. I get in without protest.
