"I haven't had Italian in a while," Scarlett says.
Hadley smiles. "That actually sounds good."
Tessa unties her apron. "I'm starving."
I drag a hand down my face. "This is a terrible idea."
Weston laughs. "Probably. But we're going anyway."
Cole claps me on the shoulder. "You need your family."
I picture Lucy stuck in that car later and sigh. "Fine. But if this blows up…"
Fifteen minutes later we’re parking. Through the big front windows I spot her. Daniel’s talking, hands moving everywhere. She’s nodding with this stiff, polite smile that twists something in my gut. Then she sees us. Her shoulders drop. The forced smile disappears. The real one—the one that makes my chest feel too tight—takes its place. Daniel turns, looking pissed.
We push inside and grab a table close by. Lucy slips over quickly.
"You didn't have to do this," she says under her breath.
"I know. But we're here now."
She gives me a small nod and heads back. I watch them the rest of the meal. Daniel keeps leaning in. She keeps glancing our way.
When they finally stand and head outside, I'm right behind them.
The air feels cooler. Daniel opens the passenger door. "Ready to head back?"
Lucy hangs back. "I'm gonna ride with them tonight."
He freezes. "Your father wanted me to take you home. I told him I would. Her father and I already discussed what's best for her."
"I know. But I'm good."
He doesn't close the door. "It's late, Lucy. Don't make this weird. We had a nice dinner."
I step up beside her. "She answered you."
Daniel turns on me. "This isn't your business."
"She's uncomfortable. Back off."
He laughs, sharp and ugly. "You're that biker her dad warned me about. Perfect. She doesn't need your kind of trouble."
"She's not getting in your car," I say, voice low. "She's staying with us."
Daniel stares hard. "Who the hell do you think you are?"
"Someone who listens when she says no."
We stand there locked. Lucy shifts closer to me. Daniel's face twists. He slams the passenger door hard. "Her dad's gonna love hearing about this," he spits, then gets in and peels out.
The silence after feels loud. I turn to Lucy. She's got her arms wrapped around herself.
"How was the date?" I ask.
"Horrible," she says, voice flat. "He spent the whole time talking about himself and his plans for us. Kept saying stuff like a woman's place is in the home. Then he started grabbing my hand even after I pulled away."
"Jesus."
