Oh no, Ezri thought as the realization hit her. How could I have forgotten? Jadzia knew how they felt about each other. In her inner mind she saw the note she'd sent to Julian, signed with a simple E.

Elim, Garak's name is Elim

Ezri met those blue eyes and saw them filled with gratitude and an uncharacteristic compassion.

I suppose you know what it's like longing for someone you cannot have...

Julian was looking at Garak, his eyes filled with a love that stabbed at Ezri's lonely heart.

She rose from the chair and left Quark's. She couldn't stand looking at their radiant faces another second. She didn't want Garak's gratitude. She wanted Julian - and now it was too late.

She'd given him away.

~  END ~