So I nod.
Then, a little uncertain, I reach for his hand again.
I glance at him for permission, he hesitates, just for a beat, then lets me take it.
We head back toward the restaurant in silence.
Halfway down the hall, it hits me: I never actually called Maddie.
Sebastian probably guessed I made that up just to help him get away, but still. I should have called her.
For now, though… that call will have to wait.
SEBASTIAN
As soon as I sit down, Anne is already waiting for me, holding a small folded note between her fingers.
“Seb,” she says gently, “Ian had to leave, but he asked me to give you this… I think it’s his number.”
She presses the scrap of paper into my hand, watching me closely.
“Maybe you could call him? He’s living in London now, too.
Back in school, I remember you used to like him. You know he came out, right? Had a boyfriend for a couple of years, though I heard they split. I think… reconnecting with an old friend might do him some good.”
I thank her with a small smile, trying not to show how unsettled I still feel, and quickly tuck the note into my pocket. Then I nod, as if I’m considering her suggestion, though honestly, calling Ian is the last thing on my mind right now.
The truth is, Ian was always a decent guy. I’ve got no reason to think that’s changed. And now that I’ve had a moment to breathe, I realize something: if he’d ever wanted to tell anyone what happened between us, he would’ve done it years ago. But he didn’t. He respected my wishes. Kept it to himself.
I still don’t fully understand why seeing him unsettled me so much.
For a second, I genuinely thought I might have a panic attack.
And if Remi hadn’t stepped in when he did, using Maddie as an excuse to get me out of there, I think I actually might have.
He catches me off guard, Remi. There’s something about the way he reads people, like he just knows. Knows when to speak, when not to, when to simply be there.
The way he’s been trying to make me feel comfortable... It's unexpected. And almost touching.
I’m not used to that. People don’t usually go out of their way for me.
And even if his reaction to Ian was maybe a bit much, I can’t help feeling… flattered. No one’s ever defended me like that before. Not with that kind of quiet, steady certainty.
I know how to take care of myself. I always have. But the idea of someone choosing to stand by me, to have my back, even just now and then, it’s… not the worst thought.
Remi returns to his seat, and the moment he turns towards me, our eyes meet. There’s still a flicker of concern in his expression, so I try to meet it with something steady, something that says:I’m okay. You don’t need to worry anymore.
Then Francis, never one for subtlety, clears his throat and calls out across the table in that booming voice of his:
“So, how was the call with Maddie?”
My mouth goes dry. I have absolutely no idea what to say.
Thankfully, Remi jumps in smoothly.
“Uh… yeah, no luck. We tried a couple of times, but she didn’t pick up. She’s probably busy, which makes sense. But she did message me earlier to say she got to New York safe and sound, and that’s what matters.”
He glances over at me again, eyes catching mine.
