The cool evening air brushed against Lila’s cheeks as the six of them finally spilled out from the warm, chaotic interior of Trattoria Bella. Behind them, the low hum of chatter and clinking cutlery faded into the wide, ambient whisper of the city at night.
A few blocks down, the river stretched out like a dark, shimmering ribbon, catching the brilliant reflections of the urban skyline and the glowing strands of golden fairy lights draped across the wooden boardwalk.
"Okay, so Ethan survived," Landon announced, clapping a hand on Ethan’s shoulder as they walked. "Barely. But he made it."
"I survived Parker, which is an achievement worthy of a medal," Ethan muttered, though a faint, rare smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He checked his watch and gave the group a quick nod. "I’m hea
