Michael frowned slightly, still holding the pizza box.
“A problem?”

Elizabeth let out a soft, almost playful sigh and stepped a little closer to him.

“I think… I don’t have any cash on me,” she said, her voice calm, but her eyes watching him carefully.

Michael blinked. This was new.
“No card?”

She shook her head slowly.
“Not tonight.”

There was a pause.

Normally, this would be awkward. He’d apologize, maybe take the pizza back, maybe call it in. But something about the way she stood there, it didn’t feel like a mistake.

It felt intentional.

Michael exhaled softly.
“So… what do we do then?”

Elizabeth smiled, just a little wider this time.

“I’m sure we can figure something out,” she said.

Her tone wasn’t desperate. It wasn’t even apologetic. It was playful. Like she already knew the answer and was just waiting for him to catch up.

Michael felt his heartbeat pick up. He shifted slightly, still trying to keep things normal.

“This isn’t really how it works,” he said, but his voice lacked firmness.

“I know,” she replied gently.

Another step closer.

Now they were standing just a little too near for a normal delivery. Close enough to feel each other’s presence.

“You don’t seem in a hurry to leave,” she added quietly.

Michael gave a small, almost nervous smile.
“Neither do you.”

She looked at him for a second longer.

A silent invitation. Not obvious. But clear enough.

Michael didn’t move away.

Something in the air shifted.

The pizza box was still between them—but now it felt like the least important thing in that moment.

And neither of them mentioned the money again.