I look up. He’s watching me with that playful expression, head tilted slightly.
“Yeah. Just a lot of options.” I blink, keeping my voice small. I’m uncomfortable in here with them.
“Get the Crunchy French Toast. It’s insane. Frosted flakes coating. Raspberries. Whipped cream.” He makes a chef’s kiss gesture.
“Or the Chilaquiles Bowl,” Zephyr offers.
Jax is looking at me too now. “What do you normally like?”
“I don’t know. I’m not that hungry.”
“You should eat,” Jax says, and it’s not pushy. Just direct.
The waitress comes back with our drinks and takes our orders.
I go with the Classic Eggs Benedict because it’s safe. Simple. I know what to expect.
Jax orders the New York Steak and Eggs. Zephyr gets the Hash Skillet. Callum orders the Churro French Toast with extra bacon.
When the food arrives, the plates are massive. My Benedict is perfectly poached eggs over Canadian bacon on an English muffin, covered in hollandaise sauce. It smells amazing. My stomach finally growls.
I take a small bite. It’s good. Really good.
Callum launches into a story about last night’s game. Something about overtime and a controversial goal and Theo from Seattle being a complete ass.
He’s animated when he talks. Hands moving. Expressions shifting. He makes Zephyr laugh, which seems rare, and even Jax cracks a small smile.
And I feel myself relaxing just a little. The knot in my chest is loosening. I finally put it together that they play hockey together, and it feels less like a coincidence that he ended up in their guest bedroom. It sounds like any other weekend for them.
Callum’s energy is different from Jax and Zephyr. Lighter. More playful. The contrast makes the whole table feel less tense.
But then I notice Jax glance at me. Then Zephyr.
They’re watching how I react to Callum. How I smile when he makes a joke. How I lean forward slightly when he talks.
And suddenly I’m hyperaware again. Self-conscious. Like I’m being studied.
I look down at my plate and focus on eating.
Callum keeps talking, oblivious to the shift.
When we’re almost finished, Jax leans back and looks at me.
“You want dessert?”
I shake my head. “No, thank you.”
His eyes hold mine. “If you had to choose one sweet thing, what would it be?”
There’s something about the way he asks. Like it’s not really about dessert.
Zephyr’s watching me now, too. Silent. Waiting.
Callum leans forward, that grin back in full force.
“Come on, Tiger. Choose one, or I’ll surprise you.”
Three pairs of eyes. All on me. Waiting for my answer.
