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“Wait,” Jasmine said after a beat. “That’s fantastic, right?”

With a sigh, Evelyn nodded. “Yes,” she said. “Dr. Wong pulled me aside Saturday. She said I’d be leading a pilot program. Full funding. A team of my own. It’s everything I’ve been working toward.”

Jasmine’s face lit up. “Evie, that’s amazing,” she said with excitement. “Congratulations.” Evelyn didn’t smile, and Jasmine’s expression faltered. “Okay… now why do you look like someone told you your favorite plant died?

Shaking her head, Evelyn met her sister’s eyes. “Because it’s not that simple,” she said. “In fact, it complicates everything.”

Watching her, Jasmine sipped her coffee. “Okay,” she said. “What’s the complication?”

“I’d be traveling all over the Pacific Northwest,” Evelyn whispered. “At least temporarily. Oregon, Washington, Northern California, and even parts of Canada. Four to five months minimum. Maybe more.”

Leaning back in her seat, Jasmine nodded slowly. “Wow,” she said. “That is a lot.”

“Yeah,” Evelyn said. They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the unspoken pressing between them.

Finally, Jasmine tilted her head. “Does Jo know?” she asked, and Evelyn’s shoulders tensed.

“No,” she said. “Not yet.”

“And how long have you known about this?” Jasmine asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Since Saturday,” Evelyn answered. “When I was at the office finishing up a presentation.” When her sister simply looked at her, Evelyn bit her lip. “Okay. I know what you’re thinking, but I didn’t want to ruin the weekend.” Evelyn fiddled with the rim of her cup. “Things were really good. We went to a barbecue with a family she’s close to, we—” She paused, her cheeks flushing.We had amazing sex,she thought.Multiple times.“Let’s just say we’re in a good place.”

Jasmine let out a long sigh. “So you’re avoiding telling her something that will absolutely affect your relationship because things are good?” Evelyn looked away. “Evelyn,” Jasmine said, her voice soft but firm. “You do this. Every time something getsserious, you find a way to sidestep it. You bury yourself in work or take the opportunity that lets you run.”

“That’s not fair. This is different,” Evelyn said, though she didn’t even sound convincing to herself.

“I’m not judging,” Jasmine said. “I’m only saying you’ve spent your whole adult life waiting for someone who makes you feel safe enough to stay. And now I think you’ve found that person.” She reached and gently took hold of Evelyn’s arm until she looked at her. “You’ve got someone who makes you laugh, who makes you those ridiculous cookies you won’t stop texting me about—”

“They’re really good,” Evelyn muttered.

“—and you’re about to throw it away because you’re scared.”

Evelyn’s throat tightened. “I’m not trying to throw anything away,” she said. “Like I said, it’s complicated.”

“Then talk to her,” Jasmine said, letting go and leaning back. “Be honest. Tell her about the job. Tell her how you feel. Give her the chance to tell you the same.”

Feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach, Evelyn was quiet for a long moment. “What if she doesn’t?” she finally said. “What if I’m all wrong about this?”

“Then at least you’ll know,” Jasmine said. “But you can’t pretend this decision doesn’t affect her.”

Nodding slowly, Evelyn’s mind raced to consider all the possibilities. “I know,” she said after a beat. Her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at it and her breath caught. It was Jo.

“You left your scarf in the GTO. Smells like your shampoo. Want me to drop it off later?” There was a winking emoji after it. Evelyn stared at the message for a long time, her heart aching in the way it only did when something mattered more than she was ready to admit.

“Is that her?” Jasmine asked, and Evelyn nodded. “What’d she say?” Smiling faintly, Evelyn turned the screen around to let Jasmine read the message.

After a moment, Jasmine looked at her, and her expression was softer. “I’m pretty sure she feels the same, Evie,” she said, and Evelyn didn’t deny it.

She looked at the phone again, and whispered to herself as much as her sister, “Yeah. I think you may be right.” Evelyn stared at the message from Jo, her heart still thudding against her ribs. She could practically hear Jo’s voice in those words. Teasing, affectionate, and casual in that way that masked how much she actually cared.

Evelyn hesitated for a beat longer before she finally typed her reply. “You can keep it for now. Consider it collateral. But yes, I’d love to see you later.” She hit send and watched the message disappear, her stomach fluttering with something warm and uncertain.

Jasmine gave her a knowing look. “That was a very flirty yes, wasn’t it?”

Trying not to smile, Evelyn failed. “I can’t help it,” she said softly. “She brings it out of me.”

Leaning back in her chair, Jasmine folded her arms. “So what’s the plan?” she asked, and Evelyn sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.