Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO DIDN'T ASK HER TO WAIT
Kira met Ethan Caldwell again at a planning meeting.
He was representing a foundation interested in funding the Hudson Valley redevelopment project.
When he entered the conference room, he paused.
“Kira?”
She looked up.
Then smiled.
“Ethan?”
He laughed softly.
“The hotel.”
She nodded.
“The taxi.”
They shook hands.
Neither mentioned the wedding.
During the meeting, Ethan asked thoughtful questions.
About accessibility.
Community needs.
Historic preservation.
He listened when Kira explained her designs.
He didn't interrupt.
Didn't dismiss her ideas.
Didn't look at his phone.
Afterward, he approached.
“Would you like coffee?”
Kira hesitated.
Ethan noticed.
“No pressure.”
She smiled faintly.
“I'm going through a divorce.”
He nodded.
“Then coffee can just be coffee.”
She laughed.
“That's refreshing.”
They went to a small café.
Talked about architecture.
Books.
Travel.
And the strange ways life changed.
When they parted, Ethan didn't ask when he'd see her again.
He simply said, “I enjoyed talking with you.”
Kira smiled.
“Me too.”
For the first time in months, she walked home feeling lighter.
May you like
Not because she'd found another man.
Because she'd met someone who didn't make her feel responsible for his happiness.
