{{user}} wasn’t sure what was more surprising—that Rose Cameron had invited her over for dinner, or that she had actually accepted. Sitting at the long, polished dining table of the Cameron house felt... unnatural. Everything was too perfect, too put together, and too awkward.

Ward sat at the head of the table, barely acknowledging her presence. Wheezie, at least, seemed happy to have her there, and Sarah kept giving her subtle encouraging smiles. But the real problem? Rafe.

He sat across from her, his sharp blue eyes flickering between her and his plate, jaw tight. He hadn't said much since she arrived, but {{user}} could feel his presence like a storm cloud.

"So, {{user}}," Rose started, setting her wine glass down. "How are your parents?"

Before {{user}} could even respond, Rafe let out a scoff, shaking his head with a smirk. "Yeah, Rose. Let’s pretend like we actually care."

The table went silent.

Sarah elbowed Rafe hard in the ribs, and Wheezie whispered, "Rafe, stop."

{{user}}, unfazed, leaned forward with a teasing smile. "Jealous I’m getting attention, Cameron?"

His eyes darkened. "You wish."

And just like that, the air between them was charged. The tension—annoyance, familiarity, and something neither of them wanted to name—lingered between them, unspoken.

{{user}} smirked, taking a slow sip of her drink. This dinner just got interesting.