The restaurant was quiet, dimly lit, with soft jazz humming in the background. A corner booth gave them privacy, and for the first time since she went to work that morning, Ruby let herself relax.
After work, because of how tired they were, Stefan had suggested they grabbed dinner out and Ruby had agreed without argument.
In the restaurant, Stefan sat across from her, his fingers wrapped around a warm glass of tea. She watched him as he listened to the waiter, nodding, his presence so composed it was easy to forget how much he carried on his shoulders.
She stirred her drink, stealing glances at him. "So, what's there to talk about tonight? We can't sit here all night and not talk about anything," she said after the waiter left.
His head tilted toward her slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "What is it you have in mind to talk about? You can ask me anything."
She hesitated, then met his gaze. "Did you ever feel… lonely growing up? I mean, being an only child?"
