Present Day
The wind whips through Aria's hair as Alex Rivera's sailboat cuts through the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline glittering like scattered diamonds behind them.
"Lean into it!" Alex shouts over the sound of rushing water and snapping sail. "Trust the boat!"
Aria grips the rail tighter, her knuckles white against the polished wood, but she's laughing. Actually laughing as spray from the waves hits her face and the boat tilts at an angle that would have terrified her three years ago.
"This is insane!" she calls back, but her voice carries pure exhilaration instead of fear.
Alex grins at her from behind the wheel, his dark eyes bright with the kind of joy that comes from sharing something you love with someone who appreciates it.
"You're a natural! Ready to take the helm?"
"
