Chapter 98

Alex’s POV

Dinner with Ava was supposed to be casual.

That’s what I told myself as I adjusted the collar of my shirt in the restaurant’s bathroom mirror, but there was nothing casual about the leaden weight in my chest.

I’d chosen the place carefully, with a neutral ground.

It was not too formal or too familiar.

A corner Italian place downtown, dimly lit, full of the clatter of plates and low hum of conversations.

It was public enough that Ava wouldn’t scream at me (hopefully), but quiet enough that we could talk.

The hostess had just led me to the table when I saw her.

Ava was already there, scrolling through her phone, a glass of wine untouched in front of her.

Her hair was pulled back, sharp lines framing her face.

She looked tired, more tired than I wanted to admit but her eyes flicked up and softened when she saw me.

“You’re late,” she said.

“I know, Traffic,” I lied, sliding into the seat across fro