Her

She needs to get it together.

This is the third time Meg has called out her name and to be honest, she couldn't remember the topic of conversation if someone had offered her a thousand dollars (shame, because that she could use).

The fourth time has her tearing her thoughts from enigmatic strangers in subway care and focusing on the woman sitting across the table from her. Her best friend's blue eyes narrowed as they met hers, whip-sharp and assessing. "What's up with you? I don't think you've heard a word I've said."

She swallows, pushing the nearly empty mug of tea away from her. "Sorry. I got distracted."

"No kidding," A smirk forms at the corner of Meg's lips, no doubt taking a little bit of pleasure in watching her squirm. "Something you want to share with the class?"

She scoffs, hoping it sounds more convincing that it feels. "Not unless you count the usual ballet drama."

Meg arches a brow, but played along. "Tell me about it. Did you hear Camille carrying on before rehearsal today? Apparently her latest 'greatest love' dumped her fast and cold last night. A week before opening night!"

She nodded. "Poor thing."

It's Meg's turn to scoff. "She does this to herself. The girl has a new 'love of her life' every season. She'll have another one on the hook within a month. The important thing now is that she pulls herself together before we open."

"She will," she answers idly, stirring the dregs of tea.

"Right…" She hears the change in Meg's voice, the lilting tone of gossip blunted by the claws of suspicion. "You know you could always try-"

"No!" This jolts her back to awareness, eyes flying up to Meg's teasing blue ones. "No way. I'm grateful your Mom gave me a position in the chorus, but we both know I'll never be anything more than that. You've been dancing your whole life and you're still an understudy,"

"Thanks for that." Meg deadpans.

"You know what I mean," And by the humorous glint in her friend's face, she knows she's already forgiven. "Besides, I have the violin lessons…"

"And that incredible voice that you refuse to use."

"Meg…" There's warning in her tone this time and the other girl immediately lifts both hands in surrender. "I get it. I do. You're not there yet."

She doesn't acknowledge any part of Meg's response, only dips her attention to the dregs of her tea. She wonders if he likes tea too. Or maybe he's a coffee drinker? Wonders if he like it strong and black or sweet with just a hint of cream.

"I've lost you again."

She jolts, cheeks heating at being caught in her daydreams that have been coming with increasing frequency in the two days that have passed since their eyes locked across a subway car. She knows it's crazy- this silly fantasy of an instant connection with a masked stranger, but whatever she does, he invades her thoughts.

It's completely ridiculous and unreasonable, but he's always there inside her mind.

And it doesn't bother her in the slightest. Even though it probably should?

"Aaaaand again. Really, what is with you the last few days?" She glances up to find Meg squinting at her. "Did you meet someone?" When she hesitates, the blonde lets out a squeal loud enough to earn them a few glares from nearby tables as she leans forward, playing her chin on her fist. "You did! Spill! Who is it?"

She opens her mouth and closes it. Meg watches expectantly, frowning when no words come. "You don't have-"

"I don't know." She blurts on an exhale. "That's exactly the problem. I don't know anything."

It takes only an encouraging nod for her to break and the story to spill out.

A wrong turn.

Gemstone eyes.

A mask.

"And now I can't stop thinking about him and I haven't the faintest idea where to start looking," She finished. "And lord knows what type of results I'll get by googling 'masked man nyc." She leaves out the part where she's already tried that and ended up with less than desirable results.

Meg is quiet, calmly studying her as she word-vomits her experience over the last two days, lets her finish, blinks and then extends one slim hand. "Give me your phone."

She hesitates only a moment before handing over the device. 'What are you going to do?"

The smirk is back. "Use the best people finding tool any New Yorker has at their disposal."

She feels the finest edges of dread creep in as her best friend clink though the phone. "I'm afraid to even ask."

Meg's smirk grows to a full smile, determined and smug. "Dating apps, of course."