She kicked herself for being so late. Another interview with someone else had run long; they'd had too much to discuss in the end, and neither party had noticed when they ran over time. Now she was rushing to the next room, flipping through pages in her notebook to find something blank. Hastily, as she walked, she scribbled her name and an apology in large letters.

Then she threw open the door, eyes wide and apologetic. And there he was, looking somehow awkward enough to make her want to turn right back around and leave. She was no stranger to her own intensity and standoffishness, so this guy didn't seem intimidating to her at first glance. Stiff, too ready for anything... Yes, that was it. So maybe he was as nervous as she was. Maybe he was about to bolt.

But she silently took her seat and turned the notebook toward him.

Lucy. Sorry I'm late.