Caroline’s interest is piqued. “And she not only is a character witness for you, but also could potentially be one against Michael.” She can only think of the crap the woman who cleaned up after Michael saw. She jots down the information real quick as a reminder for herself.

But when she looks back up, Hannah is shaking her head. “Thirty-two, an unfinished bachelor’s degree, single mother fighting for custody, working as a barista…” She trails off, laughter breaking from her lips. “It’s just so not who I thought I would be.”

She laughs again, but it’s hollow and the look in her eyes makes Caroline’s heart ache for her.

It’s that feeling that pushes the words out of her mouth. “I know what you mean.”

Hannah’s laughter cuts off and so does that look in her eyes, which is a blessing. Instead, she arches an incredulous eyebrow at Caroline. “Give me a break.” It’s not said in a rude way, but entirely doubtful and sort of dismissive.

Which sort of makes Caroline bristle – because Hannah doesn’t know her. Even though that is part of the job – your clients don’t know you and boundaries are a major priority.

But Hannah continues, staring at Caroline skeptically. “I mean.” She sits up straight in her chair, giving Caroline a onceover. “You’re beautiful, you’re young, you have a well-paying career that you’re passionate about –”

It’s not business as usual to share anything about her personal life, she reminds herself. The trick is to always feel relatable to clients without actually sharing stories of personal relation. It’s not really a hard rule for her to follow.

And still, this time, she doesn’t stop herself. Or maybe can’t stop herself. She doesn’t know.

“And I go home every night to have dinner by myself. There’s no cute kid at home, thinking I hung the moon, and there’s never been someone to stick around long enough to even consider wanting to marry me. Plus, I’m two years older than you.”

Hannah’s expression shifts to such a doubtful look, as if she can’t even fathom that Caroline is telling her the truth. It detracts slightly from the stinging truth of her self-assessment.

“Still…” Hannah trails off, running a long finger over the edge of her now-empty coffee mug. “You have everything ahead of you.”

They’ve been doing this for a month now, in fits and starts, but she has a pretty clear picture of who Hannah is.

Which makes her feel confident as she puts her hand on Hannah’s forearm, revealed by the sleeves she often rolls up halfway through her shift. She leans close – closer than she’s ever been to her, but she wants Hannah to see how serious she is.