Lucy POVThe kitchen smelled like roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh bread, all the things that usually meant comfort in a home. But today, here, right now, even the air felt tight.Vinnie threw a dish towel over his shoulders, sleeves rolled up. "Soup's just about ready," he said cheerfully. "Nonna's been putting in the works. Chicken, leeks, orzo."Vinnie nudged me toward the island like I was some nervous stray he didn't want to spook. His hand barely grazed my elbow before he pulled it back, like touching me too long might break something."You're walking like you're headed to a firing squad," he teased, grabbing an apple from the counter and tossing it in the air."Maybe I am," I muttered, snagging a knife to slice an onion, like I belonged here or something.He leaned against the counter, watching me. Not with judgment, just that casual, annoying patience he always had."You don't want to be here, do you?" He nudged a little further. He wanted something and I had no idea what.
Last Updated : 2025-05-27 Read more