“That’ll be all, Wynter.” I open my laptop, dismissing her without looking up. “Eight.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
WYNTER
I feel awkward and it shows as Ray takes me by the elbow and guides me into the restaurant. Everything about this place screams money. Soft lighting, polished glass, low murmured conversations. It’s the kind of place where people don’t spill drinks . . . or vomit over furniture.
The guy from last night, Vinn, stands the moment he sees us.
Beside him sits a beautiful dark-haired woman, poised and elegant, like she belongs on the cover of Vogue. They look effortless together.Perfect.
The woman rises too, smoothing her dress.
Ray greets her first, leaning in to kiss each cheek, murmuring something in her ear that makes her roll her eyes with a smile.
Then she turns to me. “I’m Sofia,” she says softly.
“Apologies, how rude of me,” Ray cuts in. “This is Wynter.”
Sofia steps closer, taking my hand gently before leaning in and kissing each cheek.
“Hi, Wynter. Lovely to meet you.”
I blink, caught off guard by how natural she makes it feel. “You too.”
Vinn grins at me next. “I won’t mention last night, I promise,” he says, winking.
My face burns. He kisses my cheeks too like it’s the most normal thing in the world. It’s not something I’m used to.
“Last night?” Sofia asks as we all sit.
“I promised Ray I’d be on my best behaviour,” Vinn replies smoothly, flashing Ray a knowing look.
Ray ignores him.
“How’s Mario?” he asks instead, turning to me briefly. “Their son.”
“He’s perfect,” Vinn says. “Loud, dramatic, takes after his mother.”
Sofia nudges him, laughing, and the way they look at each other makes something twist in my chest. It’s appears so easy between them. Like they exist in their own little world. And I realise, I want that. Not the money. Not the lifestyle. Just . . . that. The looks. The smiles. The quiet understanding.
Six months in London, and I’ve never felt more alone.
“How long have you two been together?” Sofia asks, turning to me.
I laugh awkwardly. “Oh . . . no, we’re not. I work for Ray.”
Her brows lift slightly, then she turns to him. “When are you going to bring an actual date I can befriend?”
“Is a woman having dinner with us not a date?” Ray asks, a faint grin pulling at his lips.
Sofia tilts her head. “I don’t know, you tell me. Will I see this one again?”
Heat creeps up my neck and I drop my gaze to the table.
“Sorry,” she adds quickly, reaching across to squeeze my hand. “That was rude. These men have no idea how to date properly.”
“Wynter is caring for Anika,” Vinn cuts in.
