And just like that, he lifted his hand and pointed toward the entrance.
I turned to look.
My heart slammed against my ribs as I quickly turned around.
But there was no one standing there.
Samuel wasn't pointing at a person at all. His finger aimed at the crowded photo wall, at a candid picture of the two of us taken years ago.
He stared at it for several seconds, his expression softening with a quiet, almost bittersweet affection, before he looked back at me with a helpless smile.
"Leslie… come on. This place? It's ours. You really think I'd bring someone else here?"
He gave a soft laugh, half-shrugging.
"Look, I'm in my thirties. My memory's not what it used to be, alright? I forgot you don't like organ meat. That's all it was."
He paused, his voice softening.
"Those other women were just distractions. They never meant anything. The only person I've ever wanted for real, for forever, is you. Can't you believe that?"
The server, familiar with us for years, likely thought we were having a lovers' spat.
He intervened gently, attempting to help.