The evening air was cool as Jess approached the familiar house, slipping through the gate with a hint of the old confidence, tempered now by a quiet respect. He looked around, taking in the place he’d once wandered through recklessly, his steps lighter than before. There was no intention to disrupt or stir up trouble this time. He was here to show he’d changed—at least, he hoped she would see that.

Standing at the door, he took a breath and knocked, letting a faint smile tug at his mouth as he waited. The last time he’d been here, he’d barely thought twice before barging in, but tonight felt different.

The door opened, and there she was. The years and distance hung between them, but Jess managed a small, wry grin as he met her gaze.

“Hey. I was in the area—figured I’d stop by and see if you’d give a guy a chance...” He held up a book, his own, a silent testament to the person he was trying to become.

Despite the cool front, a hint of the old Jess still shone through in his eyes, his familiar edge softened by sincerity. “So, any chance we can talk? I promise I’m a little less complicated than I used to be.”