Chapter 63 Rumors and Realizations

Katelyn’s POV We didn’t say a word at first. The silence between us during the meal could’ve sliced through concrete. Ethan and I sat across from each other in the booth, our food untouched for several long minutes. I could hear the clinking of forks and the soft murmur of other diners, but at our table, it was like the air had frozen. Ethan fidgeted with his knife, then his fork, then folded and unfolded his napkin. I stared at my plate, pushing a roasted carrot around without actually eating it. “You used to love their mashed potatoes,” he finally said. I glanced up, not quite meeting his eyes. “I used to love a lot of things.” He flinched, barely, and then looked down at his own plate. “I didn’t bring you here to fight.” “Then what did you bring me here for?” I asked, my voice even. “Because pretending we’re fine over grilled salmon isn’t exactly working.” He sighed. “I don’t know. I just thought… maybe if we sat down like normal people, it wouldn’t feel so impossible.” I picked up