On Tuesday, Audrey floated into work, although her body was sore from biking over rough terrain. Jake was so easy and comfortable to be with. He didn’t seem to mind that she clearly wasn’t the best mountain biker around, especially when he showed her the mountain biking position (stay loose, butt slightly over saddle and torso low on the handlebars, elbows bent) and she’d stayed too loose, falling promptly over with the bike. But she’d gotten up quickly, although she had a hard time both staying loose and maintaining the athletic body crouch. He’d been a good teacher—so sweet and protective. He’d tried her bike first to make sure that everything worked.

What am I doing working in the office every weekend when I could be out in the crisp fall air biking through trees, joking around with Jake?

Her mother’s voice sounded in her head: “Building your career takes dedication and time to accumulate the deep reservoir of knowledge and expertise.” But the day of biking reminded her of hiking Bear Mountain with her dad and mom on weekends when she was a kid. Her mom had become so work-intense after her father died—as the sole breadwinner. Yesterday’s trip reminded Audrey that her mom hadn’t always been that way. That was one of the shocks of losing her father—she hadn’t just lost her dad, but part of her mom. Her whole family life had changed.

Working all the time at the law firm had also changed her. But she still wanted that validation of making partner. And I’d be a good one.

Tim emailed, asking why she hadn’t been at work yesterday and if she wanted to meet for coffee, but she said that she couldn’t meet and she didn’t answer the question. She would have to tell him she was dating Jake, but not today. Not when it was all so new.

At two in the afternoon, Jake sent a text: Change of plans.

Her heart dropped.

Jake: I’ve found the perfect place for our first official date. It’s a restaurant called … Her heart resumed beating.

Jake: Wait for it.

Audrey: Waiting with bated breath

Jake: Bated or baited? The restaurant is called Live Bait. Have you been? It’s fun. Very lively.

Audrey: Because the bait is still alive?

Jake: Lol. Made a reservation for 7:30. See you there.