Matteo POV
Matteo’s heart pounded as he approached the little diner Johnny had tracked down. The address burned in his mind, carrying with it a fragile hope he didn’t dare voice aloud. After nights of restless sleep and constant worry, he was finally here.
The bells above the door jingled softly as he stepped inside, the hum of conversation and clatter of dishes greeting him. The place was busier than he’d expected—people standing in line for coffee orders, an older woman weaving deftly between tables with practiced ease. Matteo slid into a booth in the middle of the room, his pulse quickening.
He picked up the menu, more out of habit than interest, his eyes skimming the list without taking in the words. It was a futile attempt to steady his racing thoughts. Was she here? What would he
