Sophia’s POV
The restaurant had wrapped itself around me like something warm and forgiving.
Soft lighting.
Low conversations.
The quiet clink of cutlery against plates that looked too beautiful to even touch.
And yet…
I ate.
Like I hadn’t eaten in days.
Maybe I hadn’t.
Not really.
Not with everything that had been sitting heavy in my chest.
The food came quickly.
And it was… unreal.
Fresh pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce that melted the second it hit my tongue.
Warm, buttery bread that practically dissolved in my mouth.
A light citrus drink that cooled my throat and somehow eased the tightness I hadn’t even realized was still there.
And Colton…
He watched me.
Not in a weird way.
Not in a way that made me uncomfortable.
Just… attentive.
Like making sure I was okay
