Two people shorten the road

Mica perked up a bit, and flushed slightly, it had been a long time since someone had complimented her like Paolo just had and it felt really good. There had been a time when she had thrived off compliments like that, always enjoying being the centre of attention, but that had dulled with being a young parent in a complicated marriage she never asked for.

Realizing that she had been missing this kind of light-hearted interaction, she flashed a warm smile at him. Well, I suppose I can accept that, Paolo, she said. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Micaela, but you can call me Mica.