Maura wore a sweet, innocent smile—the kind that always hid something. She looked almost giddy, likely from whatever fresh news she had come to flaunt. Maybe even enough to host a private celebration.
Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor, each step deliberate, each echo magnifying Selina's irritation.
"Miss, are you paying in cash or card?" the waitress asked, drawing Selina's attention.
Selina looked away from Maura and handed over her payment. "Here."
"Leave the bill to me," Maura chimed in.
"You don't have to pay for me, Maura." Selina's tone was clean and sharp. "I'm not broke."
Maura shrugged as if she expected that, stopping across from her. "I didn't mean to offend you if it sounded that way," she said, her voice deceptively graceful.
Selina paid with her card. The waitress bowed and walked away.
"Should I join you?" Maura asked lightly, placing her hand on the seat cushion—half-impatient, half-inviting herself.
