e is tempting un

o the rearview mirror

l over his face. One hand on the steering wheel,

at car following us?" I nod towa

, why would anyone be following us?

fun

ahead and see if they follow." He pi

follow. It keeps

ry about. Are you sure you're okay, Camil? I t

r not?" I ask, still

s hands in surrender. "Since

we keep driving. The rest

very famous Italian restau

ing his seat belt and walking

car and extends an arm.

I love" I take a snif

my baby girl" he shuts the door

to the

tely hit with the unmist

e open window. Mike pulls a

es off you. You loo

t smile. "Well, thank you, Mike

irk. "We'd have beautif

kfully saved by the arrival of the waitress. She hand

to. Mike chooses a margherita. In the background, a soft acoustic melody d

first, warm, creamy, rich. I take my first bite and paus

them, Mike

"This is so good. You reall

still watching me. "No

. "Seriously?

Parmesan they use. Do

whole lot I don't

"The same could b

e. Not awkward

ing his voice. "So, I'm curious. How did you land a job

f my mouth with a nap

moment I was sending out my résumé, and the next thing

ead. "Happened

't re

shifts the topic. "How's

ing better. I cou

l. And how about you? Wh

ply, reaching for my glass. "Bu

he rim of his wine glass. "You kn

ches sligh

e of his glass. "Don't worry. I don't believe them. I

here's something cautious about

y voice is quiet, but

learly regretting bringing it up.

across the table. His

u ever need anything, help, money,

hand bac

and smile

subject?" I say fee

for you, b

r a moment, unsur

he way he said it, those rumors, the offer of money, it makes me

n't need

im. Not fr

Maybe I'm overthinking. Maybe I'm just too sensitive. B

He dressed up. Took me to a place he probably had to Google. Held the door. Complimented me. But

exhau

be it's because his kindness feels like pity. Or maybe it's because I'm

is wrong

ue. Mike is still talking, something about a weekend trip he once took

on what he

ring what h

her I'm truly safe in

ready talking... how muc

, rambling on, still

ing of guilt fo

d on his arm. His words stop mid-s

, Mike," I

ts slightly.

ughtful. For being here." I of

n. Like he's relieved. Like mayb

mine and gives it a li

moment longer before

ing. But still... It'

't give him w

the table next to us who kept staring like he'd never seen two people eat before. I'm not even sure when we l

ze we're parked at my patio. He

t in a while," I say, tur

No, thank you... for looking

mean it. It was a compliment, and f

sil

rtable. Jus

y, eyes lingering

wly, he

ath ca

ying to

etween us, blinking fast like I didn't

er si

h

one r