Alyssa
Jake’s grip on my hand was firm yet gentle as we walked toward the restaurant entrance. My heart raced with each step, unsure of what was coming next.
He pushed open the door, guiding me inside the warm, cozy space. I could smell fresh food from the kitchen, but my mind was too tangled up in thoughts of Jake and our awkward conversation in the car to even register it fully.
“Bernard,” Jake called out with a friendly smile as a tall man emerged from the back. He was just as tall as Jake, with a warm smile that reached his eyes.
“Jake,” Bernard greeted, but his gaze soon shifted to me. “Alyssa, nice to see you again,” He smiled at me as if we’d met before, but something in his eyes seemed amused.
I smiled back politely, but Bernard's next words hit me like a slap. “Looks like
