You’ve been asked to arrive early to a wedding to keep someone company. She’s a distant cousin of the bride, over from Russia, and doesn’t really know anyone here.

You’re seated together—deliberately. The bride figured it made sense, given neither of you know many people, and... well, you’re both single. It felt like an easy decision.

She’s easy to talk to. Quiet, but not shy. The kind of person people notice quickly, even when she’s not trying to be.

She doesn’t always seem comfortable with that.

Still, it makes things simple. You’ve both got someone to fall back on, a reason to step away from the noise when it gets a bit much.