She splashed water on her wrists and waited until the world steadied again. When she returned to the table, Daniel was already checking his phone. His expression tightened as he listened, nodding once before ending the call. “I have to step out,” he said. “Something came up at work. I’m really sorry.” Eleanor was already gathering her things. Brooke stood, quick and efficient.
Clare felt oddly heavy as she rose, her limbs slow to respond, as if she were moving through something thicker than air. Outside, the valet brought the car around. The city pressed in close, headlights flaring too brightly. Just as Clare reached for the door handle, a sudden jolt of panic cut through the haze. “My bag,” she said. “I left it inside.”