Chicago's evening skyline glittered against the lake, neon signs reflecting in rain-slick streets. Sean guided his car smoothly through the traffic, glancing occasionally at Courtney beside him. She was quiet, staring out the window, her features softened by the glow of passing streetlamps.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" he asked, his tone light but cautious. "I don't want you to feel pressured."
She turned her head, offering him a small smile. "I could use the break. Honestly, it's been… a day."
"That's one way to put it," he said, his jaw tightening slightly at the memory of his brother's outburst. But then he flashed her a grin. "Good thing I know just the cure. Italian. You like Italian, right?"
"Who doesn't?" she replied, some of the heaviness in her chest lifting.
