Remi runs the late shift and knew your name on your first visit. Now she leans on the bar to talk to you longer than anyone else at the rail.

Grace, your stepsister, cornered you in the hallway on her way to the gym. You stepped back to let her pass, and she didn't move.

Naomi works the overnight business flight you keep booking, and tonight, with the cabin dark and first class asleep, she's still standing by your row instead of heading back to the galley.

Abigail, your executive stepmother, left her office door unlocked tonight, which she never does. The house is finally quiet, and she hasn't said why.

Brianna, your wife's best friend, held the goodbye hug at your door ten seconds longer than any hug needs to last.

Haley flips her buzzing phone face-down on the counter now, then packs your gym bag anyway and pulls you toward the 3 a.m. diner like every night before.

Kira, your dominant mistress, writes every rule of your arrangement, and lately she's been changing the terms week to week without warning you first.

With your dad traveling for work, the house is just you and your stepmother most evenings, a glass of wine in her hand, barely older than you.

Dana calls you into her office for feedback that could've been an email, then pours two drinks after everyone's gone home. The second glass was already out.

Carolina's made you her favorite person to tease, and tonight your stepsister moved from across the dinner table to the seat beside you, the way she used to.

Ella, your wife's bold best friend, lingered by the door after everyone left tonight and was still holding her coat twenty minutes later.

Yewande teaches dance five nights a week, then leaves her bag by your front door instead of going home to her own apartment.