Annie woke up on Saturday with one troubling realization. She had enjoyed dinner with Brian. Not the expensive restaurant. Not the breathtaking view. Not even the dessert, although the dessert deserved its own appreciation. She had enjoyed him. The thought was unacceptable. She buried her face in the pillow. “No.” A knock sounded at her door. “Annie?” Eleanor called. “Breakfast is ready.” “I’m thinking.” “About what?” “My poor decisions.” Eleanor paused outside. “Would you like me to come in?” “No. I’m handling it.” “Very well. Come downstairs when you’re ready.” Annie waited until her mother’s footsteps faded, then sat up. Her phone lay on the bedside table. She picked it up. No messages from Brian. She frowned. Why was she checking? She tossed the phone aside, got out of bed, and headed for the bathroom. By the time she entered the dining room, she had successfully convinced herself that she was completely unaffected. Then Nicholas looked up from his breakfast. “Why do you look disappointed?” “I don’t.” “You checked your phone before saying good morning.” Annie pulled out her chair. “Good morning.” “You checked it again.” “I’m checking the weather.” “Inside the dining room?” “Technology has advanced.” Emily laughed, while Eleanor placed a cup of tea beside Annie’s plate. William glanced over his newspaper. “How was dinner?” “Fine.” Nicholas leaned forward. “Fine?” “Food was edible. The chairs were comfortable. Nobody died.” “Did Brian behave?” Annie reached for a piece of toast. “Why is everyone obsessed with his behavior?” “Because you went on a date.” “It was dinner.” “Did he hold your hand?” “No.” “Did he kiss you?” “No.” “Did you want him to?” Annie threw a grape at him. Nicholas caught it in his mouth. The table fell silent. He chewed slowly, looking pleased with himself. Annie stared at him. “That was disgusting.” “That was talent.” “That was luck.” “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.” Before Annie could respond, Eleanor gently placed a hand over hers. “Are you going anywhere today?” “University work.” “On Saturday?” “Knowledge doesn’t take weekends off.” William folded his newspaper. “I need you to attend a family lunch next week.” Annie’s expression immediately became suspicious. “What kind of family lunch?” “A formal gathering with several business associates.” “No.” “You haven’t heard the details.” “I heard ‘formal.’ That’s enough.” William sighed. “It’s important to the family.” Annie leaned back. “You want me to sit quietly while wealthy people discuss money?” “You’ll be introduced as my daughter.” The words silenced her. William’s tone had been calm, but the meaning behind it was clear. He wanted the world to acknowledge her place in the Samson family. Annie looked down at her plate. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” Eleanor immediately turned toward her. “You don’t have to attend if you’re uncomfortable.” William looked at his wife, then at Annie. “Of course not. I only wanted you to know that you’re welcome beside us.” Annie’s fingers tightened around her teacup. She wasn’t used to people giving her choices after making plans around her. “I’ll think about it,” she said. William nodded. “That’s all I’m asking.” Across the table, Linda remained quiet. But she was listening. Later that morning, Annie escaped to the garden with her textbook and a bowl of fruit. The garden was large enough to get lost in, which she considered one of its few useful qualities. She settled beneath a tree, opened her notes, and began reviewing the previous lecture. Ten minutes later, her phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen. Brian: Good morning. Annie stared at the message for three seconds before replying. Annie: You’re late. Brian: For what? Annie: Your daily greeting. Brian: I didn’t know there was a schedule. Annie: There is now. Brian: I’ll try to be punctual. Annie smiled. She immediately stopped smiling. Annie: Did you eat breakfast? His reply didn’t come right away. Annie’s expression changed. She waited. One minute. Two. Then: Brian: I had coffee. Annie sat upright. Annie: Coffee isn’t breakfast. Brian: I’m aware. Annie: Then why did you say it like it was? Brian: Because you asked whether I ate breakfast. Annie closed her eyes. This man was going to shorten her lifespan. Annie: Eat something. Brian: I have a meeting. Annie: And? Brian: I’ll eat afterward. Annie immediately called him. He answered on the fourth ring. “Annie.” “Are you busy?” “Yes.” “Good. Then you can listen while I insult you.” There was a brief pause. “Go ahead.” “You’re a grown man with enough money to purchase an entire restaurant, yet you’re surviving on coffee.” “I’m not surviving on coffee.” “What else have you had?” “Water.” She inhaled slowly. “Brian.” “I’ll eat.” “When?” “Soon.” “That word is meaningless.” “What would you prefer?” “A specific time.” He was silent for a moment. “Eleven thirty.” “And what will you eat?” “Something substantial.” “Name it.” “Rice and fish.” “Vegetables?” “Yes.” “Fruit?” “Annie.” “Answer.” “Yes.” She leaned back against the tree. “Good.” “Are you finished?” “For now.” “I’m relieved.” “Don’t sound so happy. I’m keeping track.” “Of my meals?” “Of your stupidity.” A low laugh came through the phone. Annie’s chest tightened unexpectedly. She had begun to recognize the different sounds he made—the quiet amusement, the restrained laugh, the tired silence. That was the problem. She was learning him. “Why are you laughing?” she asked. “Because you’re threatening me with a meal schedule.” “It’s not funny.” “It’s a little funny.” “You’re impossible.” “And yet you called me.” Annie went quiet. Brian didn’t say anything else. He didn’t need to. She could hear the satisfaction in his silence. “I’m hanging up,” she announced. “All right.” “Eat your food.” “I will.” “And don’t work through lunch.” “I won’t.” She ended the call. Then she stared at the phone. “Why did I call him?” A voice came from behind her. “Because you missed him.” Annie jumped. Jane stood a few feet away, holding two iced drinks and wearing an expression of absolute delight. Annie pressed a hand to her chest. “How did you get here?” “Your driver let me in.” “You’ve become too comfortable in this house.” “I brought you a drink.” “Your crimes are forgiven.” Jane handed her one cup and sat beside her. “So,” she said, “how was the date?” “Fine.” “Stop using that word. It means nothing when you say it.” Annie took a sip. Jane watched her. “You like him.” “Why does everyone keep saying that?” “Because you’re smiling at your phone.” “I was not.” “You called him to make sure he ate.” “He has stomach problems.” Jane’s eyebrows rose. “You know about his stomach problems?” “His mother told me.” “And you’re worried.” “I’m concerned about his terrible habits.” “Which is another word for worried.” Annie opened her textbook. “We’re studying now.” Jane leaned closer. “Did he hold your hand?” “No.” “Did you want him to?” Annie looked at her. Jane raised both hands. “I’m just asking.” Annie returned to her notes. But the question stayed with her. At eleven thirty, Brian received a message. Annie: Did you eat? He looked at the screen while seated in his office. Across from him, Jason Vale was reviewing a contract. Jason noticed Brian’s distraction. “Is that Annie?” Brian set the phone down. “Yes.” “What does she want?” “She asked if I ate.” Jason slowly lowered the document. “Did you?” “Yes.” “What did you eat?” “Rice and fish.” “Vegetables?” Brian looked at him. Jason smiled. “She asked, didn’t she?” Brian said nothing. Jason leaned back. “You’re in trouble.” “I’m not.” “You’re allowing someone to monitor your meals.” “She’s concerned.” “Exactly.” Brian picked up the contract. Jason studied him for a moment before his expression became more serious. “Are you taking your medication regularly?” Brian’s eyes lifted. “Yes.” “Don’t lie to me.” “I’m not.” Jason held his gaze. Brian looked away first. The truth was that he had missed several doses over the past month. He had also ignored the discomfort in his stomach, convincing himself that it would pass as it always did. But lately, Annie had begun noticing things he had spent years hiding. And he had allowed her to notice. Jason exhaled. “You need to stop treating your body like an employee you can replace.” Brian’s expression tightened. “I know.” “Do you?” “Yes.” “Then prove it.” Brian didn’t respond. His phone vibrated again. Annie: I’m waiting. He looked at the message. Then typed: Brian: I ate. A second later: Annie: Proof. Brian stared at the screen. Jason leaned forward. “What now?” “Nothing.” He took a photograph of the meal tray and sent it. Annie replied almost instantly. Annie: The vegetables are untouched. Brian glanced at the tray. Jason burst into laughter. “She has you completely under control.” Brian picked up his fork and ate a piece of broccoli. Then he sent another message. Brian: Satisfied? Annie: Moderately. He looked at the phone for a moment. Then, despite himself, smiled. That evening, Annie received an invitation from Margaret Starks. Margaret: Darling, Sophie is insisting that you visit tomorrow. Would you like to join us for lunch? Annie was about to reply when another message arrived. Sophie: Please come! I have clothes to show you, and Jude promised not to annoy you for at least ten minutes. Annie laughed. She typed: Annie: I’ll come, but if Jude breaks his promise, I’m leaving. Sophie: Agreed! Annie hesitated before sending a final message. Annie: Will Brian be there? She stared at the words. Then quickly deleted them. She typed again. Annie: What time should I come? Sophie replied with the details. Annie placed the phone on her desk. A moment later, it vibrated again. This time, the message was from Brian. Brian: My mother invited you tomorrow. Annie: Your family has already informed me. Brian: Will you come? Annie smiled. Annie: Why? Will you miss me? The response took longer than usual. When it came, it was simple. Brian: Yes. Annie’s smile vanished. She read the message once. Then again. Her heart began beating faster, and she hated that she couldn’t blame anyone else for it. She typed a response, deleted it, and typed another. Finally, she sent: Annie: That sounds like your problem. Brian replied: Brian: It is. Annie placed the phone face down. For the first time, she didn’t make a joke. Because she was beginning to suspect that missing him might become her problem too.

The Trouble With Getting Used to Someone