Chapter 12

There, sitting at a table in the middle of the restaurant, were Max and Nichole. They looked happy, laughing and talking as they sipped their wine. 

Carmela felt the color drain from her face, and her heart started pounding in her chest. How could they be here? She thought. What are they doing?

Max looked up and saw her standing there, his eyes widening in surprise. "Carmela," he said, standing up. "What are you doing here?"

Carmela tried to keep her composure, determined not to let Max and Nichole see how much this was affecting her.

 "I'm not here for you," she said, addressing Max directly. "And I'm not interested in your personal life. Please, just enjoy your meal and leave me alone."

As she spoke, she felt Pedro's hand move to her hand, gently squeezing it. "Come on, babe, do you know them?" he said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Let's go get a drink."

She looked at him, unsure of what to do.

“Ohh, sorry. This is Max, my ex-husband