Chapter 27: Back Again

Kara I was back at the restaurant, breathing in the familiar mix of fried spices and expensive wine. My leg still throbbed, a dull, aching reminder of the forest ambush, but I was moving with enough grace to pretend nothing was wrong. I was stacking clean plates when Amelia bumped my shoulder. "You look like you wrestled a bear on your break, Dawn. You okay?" she asked. I forced a tight smile. "Just a long week. Too much going on in my life." "Girl, you have to give yourself space. Go flirt with that new customer in the corner booth. He tips huge," Amelia whispered, pointing with her chin. I followed her gaze. The customer was Sam—a sweet, slightly clumsy guy who always over-ordered dessert. "Sam’s nice, but I’m not in for a commitment," I said, putting the plates away. Aria walked past, balancing a massive tray of cocktails. Drew followed, trying to whisper something in her ear. They matched perfectly—her chaotic energy to his calm steadiness. "Commitment’s overrated anyway, Dawn," Ar