me crowded bus, the same worn-out shoes, the same old ther

thing that wasn'

le had no

all, almost acci

the executive lounge when he stepped

aid casually, as if it was

tartled. "Good

ou don't need to call

ween respect and polite

orrected, voic

y. "That doesn't seem

pays you. But if it makes you more c

day, Elena found herself thinking about the way he'd said

an had caught himself doing t

etings, wondering if she

to his car just to pass b

watching, he'd find himself smi

strate

otions. But something about Elena was... grounding. She did

tly in the lobby during her short break,

uring breaks?" he a

ng him. "Mr. Cole! I-uh-no, sir.

ce and a few pieces of fried plan

tly. "My mother taught me. W

elf slightly to her eye

a said, her ey

ld never complain - that dignity doesn't com

r a long moment. "Your

nk y

e offer help - but he stopped himself. She didn't seem like some

city. The skyline glittered below him, every light represent

all felt... qu

press anyone. And for the first time in a long while, Adrian Cole - the man w