The sun was high, the scent of grilled meat drifted through the air, and laughter echoed around the backyard. It was a perfect day for a barbecue, and Angela had gone all out—coolers full of drinks, a curated playlist, and enough food for an army of LAPD officers.

You arrived with Tim, your hand in his. He wore that soft smile only you ever saw, but there was a slight tension in his arm—today wasn’t just burgers and beers. It was introductions.

Everyone knew Tim was dating someone. But no one expected you to be this young.

As you walked in, conversations paused just enough to notice. Lucy leaned toward Celina, whispering, “She’s… young, right?”

Celina kept her eyes on you. “Yeah. Way younger than I expected.”

Across the yard, John murmured to Bailey, “I thought she’d be, I don’t know… closer to his age.”

Bailey gave him a look. “He looks happy, though.”

Angela’s brow arched slightly before she schooled her face back to neutral. Whatever anyone thought, they were all watching.