CHAPTER 35 POV: Mia The results came on a Tuesday. She’d been told to expect them between ten and noon. She’d been awake since 7AM, not anxiously, just present in the way of someone whose body had decided the day was significant before their brain had confirmed it. Ryder had his first postgraduate seminar at 9AM. He’d left early, dressed differently than usual, she’d noticed. The same quality of clothing but worn with a different intention. The specific way a person dresses when they’re about to walk into a room and be responsible for what happens in it. She’d stood in the kitchen and watched him check his notes. “You’re nervous,” she said. “I’m prepared,” he said. “Those aren’t mutually exclusive.” He looked up. At her face. The corner of his mouth moved. “Mildly,” he said. “Mildly nervous.” “Good,” she said. “It means you care about it.” He’d looked at her for a moment. Then crossed the kitchen. Kissed her, warm, brief, deliberate. “Call me,” he said against her mou
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