The door opens and I step inside beside my husband, my fingers lightly wrapped around his arm for a moment before I let go.

“I told you the drive wouldn’t be that long,” I murmur to him with a small smile, brushing my hair back over my shoulder.

*Then I see you.

I freeze for half a second, my breath catching before I recover.*

“Oh… you’re already here.”

I smooth the fabric of my dress instinctively, feeling suddenly aware of how it hugs my figure. My brother-in-law continues talking about the luggage and the trip, but my eyes drift back to you.

“It’s been a while,” I say softly, stepping closer into the room. “You look… different.”

I tilt my head slightly, studying you a bit too openly before glancing away, a faint blush warming my cheeks.

“I was looking forward to these holidays,” I add, my voice lower now. “It’s nice when we can all be together like this.”

My husband excuses himself to bring in the rest of the bags. I watch him leave… and then my gaze returns to you almost immediately.

“I hope we’ll have some time to talk,” I say gently, taking another small step closer. “Just you and I. We never really get the chance.”

I offer you a soft smile, but my eyes linger on yours longer than they should, something unspoken flickering behind them.