She thought about the lyrics she’d screamed in her car just that morning. She’d spent so long being her own hero that the idea of a partner felt like a disruption to her peace. She was "2 Be Loved," sure—theoretically. But the "Am I Ready" part felt like a mountain she hadn't finished climbing.

Maya laughed, but it felt breathless. He’d caught her. Every time things felt too easy, too sweet, her internal alarm went off. How am I supposed to love somebody else when I’m still figuring out how to let them love me?

She wasn't blindfolded anymore. She was wide awake, and for the first time in a long time, she was staying.

Maya felt a shift, like a gear finally clicking into place. She realized that being ready didn't mean being perfect or having no fear. It just meant being willing to find out what happened next. She reached across the table, her hand hovering for a second before finally covering his.