Alice was exhausted after a long day of work. Her feet and lower back ached from all the standing and walking. She really needed a new job. Keeley, however, advised her to stay at least a year to improve her resume.

She'd texted Roger several times, but received no reply. He was either extremely busy or deliberately avoiding her. Uncertain, she decided to visit his apartment after work. She knew the way; he often hosted game nights there.

Parking near the Statue of Liberty was scarce and expensive, so Alice rarely drove to work. She knew the subway to her job, but not to Roger's. After studying the map three times, she finally boarded the correct train. Arriving at his building around 6 PM, she felt utterly drained.

It was a nice building with a doorman, though not as luxurious as Aaron's. Roger lived in a one-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room and kitchen. He'd mentioned saving for a down payment on a house, a testament to his fiscal responsibility—a trait Alice had observed when he'd helped her with purchases.

The doorman seemed to recognize her from previous visits. She nervously hoped Roger wouldn't reject her. "Go right up, Miss Wheatley," he smiled.

Relieved, Alice thanked him and took the elevator to the sixth floor. Roger looked tired when he opened the door—dark circles under his eyes, slumped posture. Exhaustion radiated from him.

"What is it, Alice?" he asked wearily.

Her fear intensified. Her hands trembled as she hid them behind her back. The urge to leave was strong, but she knew she wouldn't have the courage to initiate this conversation again.

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about," she began. "It won't take long."

His weariness shifted to a frown. "And it was so important you had to take the subway and show up unannounced?"

Alice nodded, her nervousness growing. Roger sighed and stepped aside to let her in. She sat primly on one end of the couch; he sat on the other, as far away as possible. Usually, he sat closer. She realized she must have hurt him yesterday.

She didn't want to hurt Roger; he was her best friend. Taking a deep breath, she began, aware this could ruin or improve things. She had to try.

"I know you like me, and I'm still healing and confused, so can you wait for me?" she blurted out.

"Could you repeat that?" he asked.

Clearing her throat, she said, "I know you like me, and I'm still healing and confused, so can you wait for me?"

His exhaustion vanished, replaced by disbelief.

"What?!"

"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression; I didn't realize you'd take it that way," Alice continued. "You're the most important person in my life, Roger. I don't want to hurt you, and I can't afford to lose you. But I've been hurt by my ex-husband. I don't feel lovable, and I'm not sure what love even feels like. Keeley helped me see things clearly My point is, I really care about you, but I need time. I'd understand if you didn't think I was worth it, but—"

"Alice," Roger interrupted.

A soft smile touched his face, making her stomach flip. He hesitantly took her hands in his. "You are most definitely worth it. Take all the time you need."

It had been a long time since someone had held her hand affectionately. Tears welled up in her eyes. How could she not feel wanted when he looked at her like that?

She was reminded of how Aaron looked at Keeley. Hadn't she hoped for that?

"Um…why do you like me? And for how long?" she asked.

Roger chuckled. "I was interested from the moment I saw you. You had an intriguing vibe. Then I saw your ring and put the thought aside. My interest returned after you divorced, but my feelings grew stronger as I got to know you. You're witty, intelligent, brave, kind, and fun to be around. You're my favorite person to spend time with, and you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

Alice smiled, then blushed. "The most beautiful?"

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