Noah shifts in the loveseat, and I swear he glances at me for just a split second. His smile is harmless. Polite. But it twists something inside me.
Because Noah’s here. Sitting there. Smiling. Laughing quietly with Gabriel like this is all completely normal.
I wrap my fingers tighter around the mug. The heat seeps in, a fragile anchor against the storm in my head.
“I’m just as surprised as you are, love… maybe more,” Elijah whispers.
Doubt it.
“Let’s give them a chance. You have to admit, they seem… very happy. Just look at them.”
Let’s not.
“So,Alex, tell us all about Fashion Week. Ana said she had a wonderful time.” Gabriel sets his fork aside and sips his wine casually, like he’s the most relaxed person in the world.
I finish chewing my steak before answering. “Busy as usual, but I had a great time. Always fun… just exhausting.”
I push the rice around on my plate, trying—and failing—not to look at Noah. It’s virtually impossible when he’s seated directly across from me. His presence tugs at me whether I want it to or not.
I can feel his eyes on me. Not constant—just enough to pull at my focus, make me hyperaware of every move I make.
They laugh, sip their wine, lean toward each other. It’s like strangers have taken up residence in my chest. Like being pushed out of my own skin.
Saying yes to continuing our dinner plans was a tough one. Especially when every part of me wanted to give each of them a piece of my mind. But what would be the point? Technically, they didn’t do anything wrong. There’s really no reason for me to be pissed off.
Except that I am.
I shove a forkful of rice and beans into my mouth.
Better to have food in than words out.
Better to chew than speak.
Because the alternative? Staring across the table, conversing with them.
Yeah—hard pass.
“I’ve always wanted to attend a show,” Noah says suddenly, popping into the conversation—and I nearly choke on my food.
I set my fork down, reach for my napkin, dab the corner of my mouth just as Gabriel refills our wine—thank you very much.
“Is that right, sweetheart? Maybe next year Alex could hook us up with some tickets, sí?” Gabriel tosses me a wink. I fight the urge to poke his eye out.
“Noah will steal the whole show with that pretty face,” he adds, cupping Noah’s jaw and kissing those glossy lips like he’s sealing a deal.
For the second time tonight, I plaster on a fake smile and slide my gaze back to Noah.
“I can arrange tickets,” I say. “That is… if you’re still together.”
Gabriel laughs, totally unbothered. “Of course we’ll be together,” he says, fingers lazily twisting through Noah’s hair before turning that grin back to me.
“By the way, I happened to bring my red Speedo tonight, but Elijah tells me you’d prefer me naked instead.”
Elijah growls around a mouthful of food. “Not exactly how I remember that conversation, Gabriel.”
“Ah yes, you are right,” Gabriel muses, swirling his wine. “I believe you were saying how much Alex was looking forward to my boyfriendcomingtonight. Let me assure you—the night is still young.”
He raises his glass in a loose toast to no one in particular, then brushes his lips against Noah’s blushing cheek.
