The Lamplighter was finally quiet. The last of the guests had gone, the tables wiped clean, the lingering scent of grilled steak and red wine still hanging faintly in the air. The only sound was the occasional clink of glasses being stacked behind the bar and the low hum of the overhead lights.
Laura exhaled, rolling her shoulders as she leaned against the counter. Caspian watched her from where he stood, a glass in hand, mirroring her exhaustion. She had worked herself to the bone tonight—taking orders, checking on guests, handling a minor kitchen mishap that could have thrown the entire service off balance. And yet, she hadn’t slowed down once.
Now, with the restaurant empty, she finally allowed herself to lean against the bar, rubbing at her temples.
"You should sit," Caspian said, h
