Chapter 7

EMILIA

The restaurant is smaller and more intimate than I expected. We’ve only just arrived, but Tess quickly waves away the waiter, telling her we’re still waiting for more people.

I try not to think about the last time I was at a restaurant - seven months ago. The most embarrassing, heartbreaking day of my life. Every time Tess tried to take me out after that, I shut her down immediately. She must’ve been suspicious, but she never pushed. That meant more than she probably realized.

“You could at least try not to look like you’re about to shit yourself,” Tess mutters before taking a sip of water.

She looks stunning, as always. My stomach twists the way it always does around her - envy curling tight in my gut - but I push it away.

“It’s really just Liam,” she says, her voice casual. “Like, of all people, he’s the last one you should be nervous about. You should be more worried about him trying to get into your pants.”

I snort, but the joke doesn’t