s us as we settle into a cozy corner leather booth, the so

is both elegant and inviting. Plush velvet chairs and glea

ad been nothing more than a vacant storefront, a blank canvas

feel a swell of prid

, turning to her with a smile. "I'm so p

anks, Aza. "It's been a labor of love, but seeing it

as she has built her empire from the ground up. Now, with three successful restaurants under her

fill the air as Laney pou

she said, raising h

I echoed, clinking

osity. "What's going on with you? And don't try to tell me

even if I tried. "It's Hudson," I admit, the words

with disbelief. "You can't be serious," she muttered, her

s they left my lips. "He doesn't plan to end things wit

"He said that?" she practically yells. "He

m dead serious," I admit. "I thought he loved me, Laney. I truly believed he did.

booth to take my hand in hers. "I'm so sorry, Aza," she whispers. "No one dese

avering support. "Thank you, Laney," I mumur

s alone, Aza," she says. "We'll get

so much better than him, Aza," her voice fierce with conviction. "

wing Hudson's betrayal to define me. I'm done playing

le. "You have a plan, don't you, Aza?" she teases, her eyes t

ng support. "Thanks, Laney," I say, raising m

le, his expression nervous. "I'm sorry to bother you, Lane

r eyes before

You go work your magic. I'l

out of the booth and makes her

the polished oak bar, I signal the

son and our plans to celebrate Laney'

he rich aroma before taking a sip. The wine is warm and sooth

nd me startles me out of my

o one has called me by my maiden name in year

we, my high school sweetheart, standing before me with a smile that sends my heart

"It's me," his voice is warm and fami

like fifteen," I correct him, my heart fluttering a

his hand lingering on mine for a second. "

cross my cheeks. Stephen looks fantastic as w

His warm brown eyes never

t his. "Small world." My voice betrays the rush

ear Laney say as she walks up behind us. She