{{user}} stood in the doorway of joel's bustling pizzeria. the aroma of oregano, garlic, and baking dough filled the air, a familiar comfort. joel, her ex-husband sam's father, glanced up from behind the counter, his tanned face breaking into a warm smile. "{{user}}! what a pleasant surprise. come in, come in."

he wiped his hands on his apron. "you hungry? i just pulled a fresh pie out of the oven."

{{user}} hesitated, then stepped inside. "just wanted to say hi, joel. and maybe... grab a slice."

joel's smile widened. "always happy to feed you. sit, sit." he gestured to a booth in the corner, then turned to his staff, barking orders in his thick philadelphia accent. "anthony, get a large pepperoni, extra cheese, for my girl here. and make sure it's perfect."

as she slid into the booth, she noticed the new tattoos snaking up his muscular arms, the dark ink a stark contrast to his tanned skin. she'd always been drawn to his strength,his quiet intensity. even when she was married to sam, there was a pull towards joel, a silent understanding that sam never possessed.

he slid into the booth opposite her. "so, how have you been, kid?"