Chapter Sixteen

Naomi felt the air shift as Daniel walked into the backyard, his presence pulling invisible strings that adjusted everyone’s posture and tone. Even the breeze felt different.

Mark handed Daniel a plate, his smile tight. “Didn’t think we’d see you today.”

Daniel accepted it without a blink. “Didn’t think so either. Life’s unpredictable like that.”

Mark gave a short laugh, but it lacked warmth. “Well, hope you brought an appetite.”

Naomi stepped between them before the tension could sharpen. “Daniel, why don’t you sit with Grace? I’ll get you something to drink.”

Daniel’s eyes followed hers to the table, where Grace was already waving him over like an old friend. He gave Naomi a subtle look—one that said thank you—before walking off.

As Naomi turned back toward the kitchen, Mark followed her. “So, you knew he was coming?"

“No, I didn’t.”

Mark raised a brow. “Right. Just showed up out of nowhere, huh?”

Naomi stopped and faced him, voice low but firm. “Yes. And if you’re planning to turn this into a scene, don’t. Today isn’t about you.”

Mark backed up, hands raised. “Alright, alright. Just saying—it’s funny how he always shows up when it matters.”

Naomi stared at him for a long second before walking away. She needed space. She needed clarity. And more than anything, she needed peace. The day was already loaded with emotions she hadn’t prepared for.

Back at the patio table, Grace and Daniel were deep in conversation. Laughter even escaped now and then. It was a strange but welcome sound. Daniel looked lighter somehow, like being around people—even ones he didn’t know well—was helping him shed the weight of the past few weeks.

Naomi stood at the kitchen window, watching. A small part of her burned with something close to jealousy. Not because of Grace, but because she wasn’t the one pulling Daniel out of his shadows.

Sandra walked in behind her. “They look good together.”

Naomi didn’t respond.

Sandra continued, placing a tray of cups on the counter. “But that doesn’t mean it’s real.”

Naomi turned. “You don’t even know what I’m thinking.”

Sandra smiled faintly. “I’ve worked for you long enough to read the pauses.”

Naomi smirked. “Maybe you should be the one making the closing arguments.”

Sandra tilted her head with a knowing grin. “Isn’t that what you’re already doing? Piece by piece… Secrets Unfold, right?”

Naomi blinked. “You remember the name?”

“Hard to forget when it’s what you’re living.”

Naomi picked up a glass and stared into it like it held some kind of answer. Secrets Unfold. Yes. That’s exactly what today felt like. A day where hidden feelings peeked through smiles, where silence told louder truths than words.

She looked out again. Daniel’s eyes briefly met hers, and in that glance was everything—grief, gratitude, confusion, and something unspoken that Naomi dared, not name yet.

She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked back out.

The day wasn’t going how she expected.

But maybe it was unfolding exactly how it was supposed to.

Naomi stepped back onto the patio, her heels clicking softly against the stone as the sounds of mingled voices and faint laughter swirled around her. She carried the tray of drinks with care, but her mind was anything but still. Daniel sat with Grace, relaxed, his smile more real than she’d seen in weeks. Naomi couldn’t deny that seeing him like this stirred something deep—something she didn’t want to name but couldn’t ignore either

“Need help with that?” Grace called out, already halfway out of her seat.

“No, I’ve got it,” Naomi replied, setting the tray down gently on the table. Her fingers lingered on the edge of the glass she knew Daniel would take.

As he reached for it, their hands brushed. Just for a second—but it was long enough to feel the shift again. He looked up at her, eyes softer this time.

“Thanks,” he said.

Naomi nodded. “Anytime.”

Mark lingered by the grill, eyes scanning the group, unreadable. Sandra busied herself with cutlery, casting the occasional glance Naomi’s way.

Naomi sat down beside Grace, folding her hands in her lap. The day was still fragile, still forming—but one thing was clear now.

This wasn’t just a gathering.

It was the beginning of something.