Chapter 57. People Will See Us

Rae:

I *watch* him as he turns the small keychain in his fingers.

The customized leather edge catches the soft rooftop light. Our initials stitched together in small cursive letters, just subtle enough to feel personal but not loud. He brushes his thumb over them once… then twice.

Then, with a quiet hum, he pockets it.

My lungs release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

He didn’t return it.

Didn’t make a face.

Didn’t laugh.

He just accepted it.

I open my mouth to say something, anything—

But the waiter appears beside us with perfect timing, rolling in a small cart and setting down two plates of steak so tender they’re practically still breathing. Medium rare. Just like I ordered.

I blink at it.

Thick. Perfectly seared. Garnished just right.

But my appetite isn’t really on the food anymore.

Still, I pick up my knife and fork and cut into the piece slowly. The meat parts like warm butt