For a fleeting moment, I let myself believe this could be permanent. That the tension between us would soften one day, and the three of us… maybe even something like a family… could exist without cracks.
The car stopped in front of a warm, quiet restaurant.
I stepped out first and went inside, choosing a table near the window. The place wasn't crowded, the atmosphere calm in a way that felt almost comforting. A waiter handed me a menu quickly, and I ordered something light, including a bowl of pumpkin soup, just enough to settle my stomach.
I had barely sat back when the air behind me shifted.
Ashton walked in.
And beside him were Rebecca and Joe.
My fingers paused on the table.
Coincidence?
Or something planned without me being told?
They came straight toward my table like it had already been decided. I stayed seated as Rebecca reached us first. Something subtle changed in her expression when she saw me, but she didn't stop.
