#Chapter 218: Something Real

The city sprawled beneath us as Timothy's car glided through the streets. The familiar city lights blurred into a hazy glow, almost dizzying to look at. The drive back to our apartments was filled with a heavy silence. The disastrous dinner replayed in my mind like a haunting melody, and I couldn’t shake the image of my mother out of my mind. I felt around in my pocket for the slip of paper she had handed me, her number sprawled across its surface. As Timothy parked the car, he turned to me with a remorseful expression. "Evie, I'm so sorry about tonight. I had no idea it would turn out like that." I offered a half-smile, attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. "It's okay. It was the thought that counted, right?" He sighed. "I just wanted you to meet my father and, well, I didn't anticipate the whole Mia situation." I nodded, the bitterness of the evening still fresh in my mind. "It's not your fault. I appreciate you wanting to bring me anyway, even if it was more tha