Bernard's POV
I threw enough money on the table to cover our meal and rushed after her. There was no way I could let this conversation end with her retreating into that cold, professional shell she'd been hiding behind all evening.
I spotted her standing on the sidewalk, phone clutched in her hand, her face illuminated by the screen's glow.
"Driver will be here soon," she said without looking up, her voice flat and distant.
"Penelope."
"Don't." She kept her eyes fixed on the phone. "I've already said what I came here to say."
"Maybe you have, but I haven't."
Finally, she raised her head. The streetlight caught the moisture gathering in her eyes, and I could see her fighting to keep those tears from falling.
"What more could you possibly want from me, Bernard? I've been clear about needing space. My career depends on it."
