The moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a wave of laughter and music.
The place was packed, buzzing with chattering voices and the sound of clinking glasses. Just perfect. The crowd offered a convenient excuse to stay close to Joanna and subtly breathe in her intoxicating scent. It had lodged itself into my subconscious, igniting a deep-seated longing within me.
I spotted a high table tucked away in a quieter corner, a perfect retreat from the bustling crowd. I gently guided Joanna towards it, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back, the warmth of her skin radiating through the thin fabric of her dress. The others trailing slightly behind.
Once a waitress took our drink orders, Elena initiated the conversation.
“Joanna, it was pure coincidence that I recogniz
