CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR – LUNCH ON NEUTRAL GROUNDS

Nia's phone buzzed on her nightstand, jolting her from a fitful sleep. She groaned, fumbling in the darkness to silence the intrusion. The screen's harsh glow illuminated her face as she squinted at the message. Justin: Hey Nia, I hope this isn't too early. I've been thinking a lot about our last encounter. Can we meet for lunch? I'd like to clear the air between us. No pressure, just a chance to talk things through. Nia stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. A mixture of emotions swirled in her chest—frustration, anxiety, and a twinge of something she couldn't quite name. Nia: It's 6 AM, Justin. Most people are still asleep. She set the phone down, burying her face in her pillow. But sleep eluded her now, her mind racing with the implications of Justin's request. After a few minutes, she picked up the phone again. Justin: I'm sorry, I didn't realize the time. I guess I'm an early riser. What do you say about lunch, though? Nia chewed her lip, weighing her o