Aria pov
By the time dessert arrived, I could barely focus on the conversation. The chocolate cake sat untouched on my plate—dark and dense, the smell of it mixing with coffee and perfume made my head swim.
"You want to leave, don't you?" Lucas said suddenly, his voice quiet under the noise of the room.
I looked up, startled. "What?"
"You've been checking your phone all night." He smiled sadly, the expression making the corners of his eyes crinkle. "And I'm guessing it's not me you're texting."
"Lucas" My throat felt tight.
"It's okay." He touched my hand. "I knew this was a long shot, and you're still in love with him. You've made that clear." His smile turned gentle, understanding. "And he's clearly losing his mind without you. So go, before he shows up here and makes a scene."
"He wouldn't"
My phone rang, the vibration loud against the table. Damien's name flashing on the screen as Lucas laughed. "Answer it. I'll make excuses to our tablemates."
