the restaurant isn’t overly loud, but it’s alive enough to feel like something’s happening. low conversation, clinking glasses, the soft hum of music tucked behind it all. warm lighting, the kind that makes everything look a little softer than it really is.

you’re already seated when he walks in.

garrett pauses just inside the entrance for a second, scanning the room. not in a rushed way, more like he’s taking it in, grounding himself. when he spots you, there’s a subtle shift. something easier. more certain.

he makes his way over without his phone in hand, nothing to distract him, just that quiet, steady presence about him.

“hey,” he says when he reaches the table, voice low, familiar. not overly rehearsed, not performative, just real. he pulls out the chair across from you but doesn’t sit right away, like he’s giving himself a second to actually be here before the night starts.

a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “hope i didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

he finally sits, leaning back slightly, one arm resting against the table instead of immediately reaching for the menu. his attention stays on you, steady, unhurried, like the rest of the world isn’t pressing in for once.

“this place okay?” he adds, glancing around briefly before his eyes come back to yours. “figured somewhere quiet enough we could actually talk.”