May’s phone buzzed again, and she groaned softly. “Ugh, work,” she muttered, standing up. “I’ll just take this outside again.”
She gave them both a small smile, then walked off, leaving Lucian and Georgia alone again.
The silence returned, heavier this time. The sound of cutlery and quiet chatter from nearby tables only made it worse.
Lucian leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “You really don’t look well,” he said quietly.
Georgia’s lips curved into a faint, polite smile. “I’m fine.”
He shook his head slowly. “You’re not.”
Her eyes flicked to him, sharp for a second, then softened. “Lucian,” she said gently, “you don’t have to do this.”
He frowned. “Do what?”
“This,” she said, waving her hand lightly between them. “Checking in, worrying, apologizing. You don’t have to
