Chapter 12 - THE FIRST DATE WITHOUT BODYGUARDS
Nico asked Eden to dinner on a Saturday evening.
Not at the Meridian.
Not at a luxury restaurant.
At a small neighborhood Italian place where the owner knew everyone's name.
Eden wore a simple blue dress.
Nico wore dark jeans and a gray sweater.
They sat beside the window.
No photographers.
No private security at the table.
No business negotiations.
Just dinner.
At first, they were awkward.
Then Eden knocked over her water glass.
Nico laughed.
She stared.
"You're enjoying this."
"Immensely."
She rolled her eyes.
"You're terrible."
He smiled.
"I've been told."
They talked for hours.
About Evan.
About Eden's mother.
About Nico's childhood.
About the lives they wanted.
At one point, Nico looked at her.
"Can I ask you something?"
She smiled.
"Depends."
He laughed.
"Do you ever regret saving me?"
Eden considered the question.
Then shook her head.
"No."
His expression softened.
"Even after everything?"
"Yes."
He looked down.
"Why?"
She reached across the table.
"Because I didn't save you so you'd owe me something."
He looked up.
"I saved you because it was the right thing to do."
Nico squeezed her hand.
"And I'm grateful."
Eden smiled.
"Good."
Then she leaned closer.
May you like
"Now order dessert."
He laughed.
