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“Okay, that smells incredible,” Lennie says, breaking the tension as he leans back in his chair, as the first dishes arrive.

The rich scent of garlic, basil and lemon fills the veranda as Enzo delivers each dish. Bowls of glossy spaghetti al pomodoro and silky tagliatelle sit beside crusty garlic bread still warm from the oven, while flaky sea bass glistens beneath lemon and fresh herbs. Bright salads add bursts of colour across the table completing the feast.

“Buon appetito,” Enzo says with a warm smile. “Mangiate!” he calls over his shoulder, disappearing back into the lodge.

Plates start moving, hands crossing without hesitation, and it suddenly feels like those old family dinners from a lifetime ago.

“Go on, take some before it’s gone,” Lennie says, as the table settles into that familiar easy rhythm, voices overlapping, a quiet sense of camaraderie and belonging threading through it despite the fact we’re strangers. Once again, I feel myself relax, in a way that hasn’t been possible in so long.

“So,” Luna says pointing her fork vaguely. “What is everyone looking forward to this weekend?”

“The panels,” Ember answers immediately. “And the signing hall.”

“Oh, same,” Saint exclaims. “There’s a panel tomorrow I’m hoping to catch if I can get away from my table.”

“I’ll cover for you,” Lennie offers. “Assuming it doesn’t clash with my own plans, I have a full schedule,” he adds playfully.

“Of course you do, dear.” Luna smiles, stroking his cheek with one hand.

“Really?” Saint beams, all animated now. “That’s so kind, thank you. It’s at 2pm if that’s ok?”

“Works for me,” Lennie agrees.

“You’re part of the trader family now. We all have each other’s backs.” Luna adds cheerfully.

“Amazing. I’m so excited now,” Saint practically chirps, sipping his wine. He glances my way, “can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you ever get to be yourself?” he asks. “Or does everyone expect Jackson Shaw all the time?”

I huff out a quiet laugh. “Mostly Jackson Shaw, although please call me Jax. It gets exhausting sometimes. I think that’s one of the reasons I came here. While I’m at the lodge, I’m just... Me.”

Saint smiles, though there’s an edge to it. “That’s unfortunate.”

I frown. “Why?” There's something off about his questions that I can't quite put my finger on.

“You’re missing half of it.” Lennie answers before Saint can.

“Half of what?”

“The fun,” Luna says. “Meeting like-minded people, seeing the incredible cosplays and all of the props. Oh, that’s my favourite for sure, all those silly photo opportunities and the memories you create.” She leans back in her seat, wine glass poised, looking… Happy.

“It feels like being part of something bigger,” Lennie muses, eyes bright.

“Sounds like I’ve been doing it wrong,” I say, contemplating that maybe, just maybe, I’ve been viewing this the entirely wrong way. Their energy and excitement are contagious.

“There’s a first,” Bri mutters under her breath, in that infuriatingly dry tone of hers. She pushes back her chair, excusing herself, and disappears inside.

Frustration eats at me, as a voice cuts through the mist.

“Scusate, sorry... Ciao.” Enzo beams at me. “My niece, she absolutely loves your show,” he says. “Per favore... Would it be possible to have just one quick photo, sì?”

“Yes, of course, my pleasure after that delicious meal.” I grin, sliding my chair back as I get to my feet.

He beams with pride. “Grazie, thank you.”

We take the selfie quickly, him grinning, me playing along.