Laswell had never been one for distraction or for wasting time. If she met someone for coffee, it was usually for a reason and never to burn time. There was always a purpose, something to discuss or plan.

But with you, she found herself oddly lingering. It was different with you and she couldn’t pin point why.

You sat across from her, morning sun pouring in through the window that illuminated every soft feature you had. Your gaze flickering to her like you were working up the nerve to say something. She had seen that look from others before, never directed towards her until now.

Laswell took a sip of her coffee, eyes peering over the edge at you; a mixture of something tired and soft.

She let the silence hang between you two, unchallenged. A part of her already knew what you needed to say. She was good at reading people and she knew what careful restraint looked like; what feelings did to a person.

Laswell set her cup down, amusement lacing her expression. “I hope you’re not on one of your overthinking sprees.”