7:42 PM

The restaurant isloud in that cozy, inviting way. A low hum of laughter and clinking glasses fills the space.

Brooke sits across from me, swirling the last of her wine in her glass. Her perfectly manicured nails catch the candlelight. She takes a sip of her wine, studying me over the rim of her glass. "So, how’s Callum?" she asks, casual but pointed. I knew it wouldn't take her long to get there.

I narrow my eyes at her. "What makes you think there’s anything to tell?"

She snorts, setting her glass down. "Because I know you. And because you texted me this morning sounding suspiciously... happy."

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the small smile that tugs at my lips. "Fine. We’ve worked through some kinks and we've been spending time together."

Her brows shoot up, and she leans in slightly, her elbows resting on the table. "Oh, really? How much time are we talking?"

I shrug, trying to play it cool even though my face feels warm under her scrutiny. "Last night... and this morning."

Her eyes widen, and she sits back with a knowing grin. "Well, well. Look at you."

"Don’t start," I warn, laughing despite myself. "It’s not a thing. I’m just... going with it. For now. Like you said."

Brooke tilts her head, her expression softening. "Good. You deserve to have fun, Sienna. I'm glad to know you're not overthinking it."

"I’m trying not to," I admit, swirling the wine in my glass. "And honestly? It’s nice. We’ve been talking, too. Like, really talking. We have almost six years to catch up on."

Her grin returns, and she raises her glass in a small toast. "To good wine, good sex, and getting out of your own way."

I laugh, clinking my glass against hers. "You’re amazing."

"Look at you," she says, raising her glass. "My little grasshopper, finally learning to chill."

I laugh, clinking my glass against hers. "It only took me twenty-seven years."

As I set my glass down, Brooke leans forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What about Finley James? Are you three getting extra kinky and making it a threesome? I know how much you love her."

I wave a hand dismissively. "Stop it! Oh, my God. No. She's not in the picture."

"I bed to differ. I saw the pictures, with an 's'"

"I mean, they aren't fucking. We cleared up. Turns out it’s all PR bullshit. Nothing ever happened between them, not really."

Brooke lets out a soft hum of approval. "Oh, okay. That is good to know. I like him for you."

"Don’t get ahead of yourself," I warn, though my voice lacks the edge it might’ve held a few days ago. "We’re just enjoying each other right now."

"And you’re okay with that?" she asks, studying me.

"Yeah," I say, surprising myself with how much I mean it. "I think I am. Ask me that when he ghosts me in a month."

The server drops off the check, and we split it. Before we take off, the conversation turns to lighter things—Brooke’s latest client horror story, Ollie’s obsession with his keyboard, and the ridiculousness of New York parking tickets.

I welcome the shift.

By the time we step out into the chilly night air, I feel lighter than I have in weeks.

That is, until I pull out my phone and see the missed call from Marcus. My stomach twists as I read the text he left beneath it.

Call me immediately.

"Fuck," I mutter, my thumb hovering over the screen.