CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The rain had picked up again, soft droplets clinging to the diner windows, turning the world outside into a blurry haze. Inside, the lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a warm glow on the silver table where Mia sat, nervously tracing the rim of her glass.

Dave was talking — about books, about some ridiculous historical fact that normally would’ve had her full attention — but tonight, her mind was elsewhere.

Marco.

Her phone sat in her lap, buzzing occasionally like it was mocking her.

I’m on my way to the diner.

Her heart skipped for the hundredth time.

Was he serious? Would he really show up here?

“Mia,” Dave’s voice broke through her thoughts, softer this time. Almost careful. “You’re somewhere else tonight.”

She blinked, forcing a weak smile. “Sorry. Just… distracted.”

Dave gave a short chuckle, but there was no humor in it. His eyes flickered down to her phone like he already knew exactly who was distracting her.