Back at the table, the laughter had begun to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Glasses clinked, silverware glimmered, and the hum of conversation buzzed softly beneath the music. Margaret dabbed her lips with a napkin and stood, smiling at everyone.
“I’ll be right back, darling,” she said. “I need to powder my nose before the next song starts.”
Cisco and Gregory exchanged a quiet look — subtle but unmistakable. It wasn’t casual or social; it was deliberate. A silent cue passed between them, one Nate didn’t miss.
Gregory leaned back in his chair and turned toward Carissa and Fiona, his tone deceptively light. “Why don’t you two go grab another round of drinks for everyone?”
Carissa hesitated, her painted smile faltering. Fiona glanced toward Cisco, tension flashing in her eyes. Nate cau
