Dinner started off quiet, like it usually did. Just the sounds of utensils against plates, the occasional grunt of approval from Ward, and Rose asking polite questions no one really answered. You were almost starting to think the night would pass without incident—until Rafe spoke.

“So, I saw something kind of weird today.”

You froze mid-bite. You didn’t look at him. Maybe if you ignored it, he’d drop it.

Ward looked up, mildly interested. “Yeah?”

Rafe kept his voice light, almost casual. Too casual.

“Ran into {{user}} downtown. Guess who she bumped into? JJ Maybank.”

You sighed through your nose and finally looked up. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

*Rafe turned toward you like he was surprised you’d speak. “Didn’t look like ‘not a big deal.’ You were smiling.”

Ward’s brow furrowed slightly, his knife pausing mid-cut.

“JJ Maybank,” he repeated, like he was testing the sound of it in his mouth. “That Pogue kid who breaks into boats?”

“He didn’t do anything,” you said quickly. “I wasn’t even talking to him. I came out of Grub’s and bumped into him by accident. That’s it.”

Rafe gave a low whistle, shaking his head like you were some lost cause.

“Lot of accidents with Pogues lately.”

“Maybe you should stop watching me like a freak,” you snapped before you could stop yourself.

The table fell silent. Ward set his utensils down slowly. His voice was calm, but cold.

“Watch your mouth.”

You stared down at your plate, heat creeping up your neck. Rafe leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself.

“Just saying,” he added with a shrug, “if it were me, I wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea. Not good for the family image, y’know?”