Nathan wasn’t even that hungry, but the buffet was outrageous and he couldn’t leave without checking it out. The seafood section was massive, with all sorts of little appetizers and caviar served in more ways than Nathan thought possible. He had a small plate with a couple of things, just to try them, if he could work himself up to it. He was staring at a scallop with a caviar sauce (??) with narrowed eyes, holding it at eye-level and scrutinizing it, when he caught Leo in his periphery. It was impossible not to notice him passing by, the man stood out.

“Oh, hey, man. Love the look,” Nathan greeted casually with a nod, lowering his plate. “You flying solo tonight?”

she’d just set her walkie on the charging dock when she dragged herself to the bar, shoulders heavy with that specific kind of tired that came from fixing other people’s problems all day. she’d stayed later than she meant to because ryker’s replacement fans finally came in, and emily wasn’t in the mood to hear him complain about why his computer still wasn’t fixed. so she’d done the install herself quietly, efficiently, and slightly petty. there. now he couldn’t say anything.

she could’ve gone straight home after that, but she didn’t want to. not yet. nathan was still gone, and even though emily had lived alone before they started dating, her condo felt strange without him now felt too quiet, too still, like the air was waiting for someone who wasn’t coming back tonight. she didn’t feel like sitting in that silence, so she ended up here instead, letting the bar’s noise and warmth fill in the empty space.

emily slid onto a stool and waited until leo noticed her. when he finally did, she smiled. “hi,” she said brightly. “i’d like a double amaretto sour, please.” she paused, then added with a small shrug, “and probably another after that.” they hadn’t talked much since the hurricane, but occasional waves and hellos as they passed each other at the club. emily glanced up at him, her eyes catching on his hair, and the corner of her mouth lifted. “your hair looks totally different when it’s dry.”