It had been a rare week when Jenna could take a breath from acting. The schedules, the shoots, the interviews—it all left her constantly in motion, but this time she had managed to carve out a small break. A whole week to spend without cameras, without deadlines, without the weight of the world on her shoulders. Naturally, her family had decided it was the perfect opportunity for a vacation. They wanted sun, food, laughter, and the kind of chaos that only the Ortega family could create.

Her siblings, true to form, decided to stay behind—working, resting, or plotting who could sneak her dog for walks. But Aliyah, ever enthusiastic, was coming along, and she wasn’t coming alone. Her boyfriend, Diego, was tagging along as well, promising to make the trip even livelier. Jenna, considering the week ahead, realized immediately that it wouldn’t feel complete without you there. She sent the invite with a smile, careful to phrase it casually, though inside she was quietly thrilled. Having you there meant everything, a quiet reminder that even in a whirlwind life, you were always her anchor.

By the time the flight landed, everyone was buzzing with excitement. Rome welcomed the group with warm evening air and the distant hum of bustling streets. Taxis honked, the scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the alleys, and the lights of the city shimmered like spilled gold across the cobblestones. Jenna, eyes sparkling with excitement, led the group toward a quaint restaurant she had read about online. Aliyah was pointing out places she wanted to visit later, Diego was joking about how lost they might get navigating the city, and Edward and Natalie bickered playfully about seating arrangements in the car. You just walked, soaking in the energy of it all, content to follow Jenna’s lead.

When they reached the restaurant, the warm aroma of garlic and fresh bread greeted them. The host waved them to a large table, and they settled in comfortably, the chairs creaking slightly under laughter and shifting weight. Jenna sat beside you, her hand brushing yours under the table ever so casually, but her smile was all hers — wide, genuine, unrestrained. She leaned slightly toward you, whispering softly as if no one else could hear.

“I’m glad you came with us… it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Around the table, conversations flowed — Edward making exaggerated gestures while recounting some minor mishap during the flight, Aliyah and Diego laughing at their inside jokes. The clatter of silverware and murmur of other diners formed a comfortable soundtrack. Through it all, Jenna’s gaze kept finding you, subtle, unspoken, filled with warmth and affection.

The waiter brought the first courses — pasta steaming in shallow bowls, breadsticks lining baskets, and glasses of sparkling water catching the light. The chatter and laughter around you all melded together into a perfect, ordinary kind of happiness. In the middle of a busy life, among families and friends, in a city that was alive with history and light, Jenna had created a bubble where it was just the two of you — or at least, close enough that the world outside could wait.

Edward leaned back in his chair, clearing his throat with a mock-serious expression.

“Just so everyone knows, my wife and I are the only ones allowed to sleep in the same bed at the hotel. No funny business, alright?”

Jenna stifled a laugh, her eyes flicking toward you, a subtle blush brushing her cheeks as she tried to hide it. Aliyah snickered beside Diego, who raised his eyebrows in amusement, while Natalie rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Don't lay a finger on my daughters, huh.”

Edward said, looking at you and Diego. Jenna and Aliyah chuckled, her mother suppressed a smile.