It's high-end. Upscale.
Nothing like the neighborhood dives I used to sling drinks in.
And that’s what I like about it.
It’s elegant without asking me to change who I am. At least, not too much.
“Two glasses of the 2017 Brunello to table twelve,” the bartender says as he slides the crystal stemware across the marble bar top.
I nod, thanking him, and lift the tray with practiced grace. Just another night. Just another shift. Just a couple more hours of normal before I’m back to navigating whatever it is Langston and I are calling this arrangement.
I move toward the table, weaving between suits and whispered conversations, when I feelit—
A hand wraps around my wrist.
Firm.
Uninvited.
Before I can process, I’m being spun around, my breath catching in my throat as I come face to face with someone I haven’t seen in years.
No.
No no no.
“Bree,” he says, smiling like we’re old friends instead of unfinished trauma. “I can’t believe it. It’s really you.”
My pulse stumbles. I take a step back.
“Elliott.”
There it is. The name I’d buried with a half dozen tequila shots and a playlist full of Alanis Morissette.
Elliott goddamn Cavanaugh.
Light blonde hair still perfectly styled like he stepped out of some Ivy League fantasy. Smile sharp enough to sell anything. Even lies.
“I—what are you doing here?” I ask stiffly.
He shrugs, easy as ever. “Moved back today. Dad wanted me to take over part of the Midwest logistics branch. First day in town, and I run into you. Fate, right?”
Fate.
Funny word for oh, shit.
I don’t say anything.
He leans forward, like he doesn’t notice the wall I’ve just thrown up between us. “You look good. Chicago suits you. When did you move here?”
My mouth is dry.
Elliott was the guy I once thought I could love. Hell, I wanted to love him. Smart. Strategic. We had a spark, back when I was too young to know what manipulation sounded like behind a well-practiced grin.
And then I overheard him talking to my father.
“If I marry her, it’ll merge our families. It makes sense. She’s pretty, sure, but she’s also useful. That’s what matters, right?”
I never said goodbye. Never gave him the chance to spin it.
