The café with the green door was smaller than Kyle expected.
Six tables. A chalkboard menu. A bell above the door that announced every customer like a butler with a grudge. Across the road, the trees of Regent's Park swayed in a wind that couldn't decide whether it wanted to bring rain.
Kyle arrived at 1:40 PM. Twenty minutes early.
He chose the table in the corner, back to the wall, a clear view of the door and the window. Old habits. He ordered a tea he had no intention of drinking and set his phone face down on the table.
"She picked a place with one exit and a window facing the street. Smart. She can see me before I see her."
At 1:58, the bell rang.
Maya stood in the doorway in a long grey coat, a canvas tote bag slung over one shoulder, dark curls tucked loosely behind her ears. She scanned the room once. Her eyes landed on him and stayed there.
She didn't smile.
She walked over, pulled out the chair across from him, and sat down without taking off her coat.
