The server arrived with menus, but Rachael barely glanced at hers. Her mind still lingered on Jamal’s words, on the weight of what Damian had become in their lives, even if unspoken.
Damian, noticing her quiet distraction, gently tapped her hand, drawing her attention back to him.
"You seem miles away tonight," he said, his voice laced with a softness she had grown accustomed to. "What’s on your mind?"
Rachael offered a faint smile, her fingers brushing absentmindedly against the stem of her wine glass. “Oh, just…things.” Her voice trailed off, unwilling to open that door right now. She didn’t want to spoil the night with the worries that gnawed at her. "Nothing important," she added quickly.
Damian studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “Well, whatever it is, I hope it’s
