Since then, I would often see Nathaniel at the bar during the weekends. I figured that he had a weekday job since he never came while I was on waitress duty.

He returned my sketchbook to me the next weekend after that incident, and I was grateful that he remembered.

“Here you go,” he told me. “I kept it safe.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling relieved at having the sketchbook back in my hands again. It had really been too long. “I should treat you to a drink.”

He waved me off with a smile. “No need. I only gave this back to its rightful owner.”

I shook my head....