-Alec-
I pushed my chair back and grabbed the check when it landed. Raya didn’t even try to reach for it—which was good, because I wasn’t going to let her.
She was still dabbing her mouth with a napkin, eyes scanning the rustic decor like she didn’t want to leave just yet.
I slid a few bills into the check sleeve and stood. “Let’s go.”
Raya followed, slow at first, like the weight of lunch had made her legs heavier. We stepped out into the early afternoon sun. It was warmer now, the heat soft against our skin, the kind that made you lazy but content.
As we walked toward the car, I could see her still tugging at the sleeve of my shirt. It was way too big for her, but she didn’t complain—not about that, at least.
Once inside the car, I started the engine and turned the A/C low. She sig
