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

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

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

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

as {{user}} slid into the booth, she noticed the new tattoos snaking up lara's arms, the dark ink a stark contrast to her tanned skin. {{user}} had always been drawn to lara's strength, her quiet intensity. even when {{user}} was married to sam, there was a pull towards lara, a silent understanding that sam never possessed.

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