Sebastian arrived at Ember just after lunch rush, hoping the quieter hours would make this easier. His palms were sweating, his shirt collar felt too tight, and the weight of humiliation pressed on his shoulders like a physical burden.
He wasn’t here to eat or cause trouble.
Sebastian was here because he had no one else left to ask and Rylee is the only one who could help him.
He stepped inside, the familiar scent of roasted garlic and citrus hitting him instantly. Ember was warm, alive, full of energy — everything Solace used to be before he ruined it.
A hostess greeted him. “Welcome to Ember. Table for—”
“I’m looking for Rylee,” he said quickly.
The hostess blinked. "She's not here today."
Sebastian nodded stiffly. “Right. Thank you.”
He stepped back outside, the door closing b
