Jake stood by the front gate, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets as Alice stepped down the golf cart. The evening air was cool, the setting sun casting a burnt orange hue across the driveway. Her heels clicked against the floor as she approached him, that same easy smile playing on her lips. She paused in front of him.
"Well… thanks for today," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Jake offered a small nod, not quite trusting himself to say anything without it sounding awkward. Alice stepped in and wrapped her arms around his torso in a tight, warm hug. He hesitated for only a moment before returning it, the scent of her perfume lingering even after she pulled away.
"See you soon, Jake. I will be waiting for your call," she said with a wink before sliding into her car.
He watched her drive off, the red taillights disappearing down the tree-lined street. The silence that followed was sharp and still. Jake took a breath, turned around, and stepped back into the house.
