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"Sounds good," Matt states and leaves.

Lainey picks up her chopsticks. "Where do you even start?"

I pick up a salmon sashimi ball, dip it in soy sauce, and hold it to her mouth. "Try this."

She takes it, and slowly chews, closing her eyes. "Mmm."

More happiness hits me. "So good, right?"

"Mm-hmm." She swallows and takes a sip of wine. "Amazing."

I pop one into my mouth and groan.

She picks up a piece of jalapeño yellowtail. "You must come here a lot."

"I do. The owner's a transplant from Houston. Married a local girl and never left." I watch her enjoy the yellowtail. She swallows, and I add, "First time I came here, I ordered a California roll like an amateur. Mason still brings it up."

"Scandalous."

"Devastating, honestly. I've since redeemed myself." I gesture toward the menu on the table.

"Bold words from a California roll enthusiast."

"Former enthusiast. I've evolved."

She laughs, and a steady certainty settles further into place behind my ribs. It's the same quick-witted, easy conversation from the first night we met. And her laugh is worth every bit of the mess it took to get here.

We continue to sample different items.

Matt comes over and brings me another beer. He refills her glass and disappears.

She puts her chopsticks down. A tad of worry comes into her voice. "How do you think Charlie is doing?"

"Charlie's killing it. I worry more about your mama," I tease, but it's also true.

She winces. "It is a lot for her to take in."

I jerk my head back and widen my eyes. "What? My family?"

"They're really nice. But it is just a teeny-tiny bit overwhelming." She holds up her two fingers.

"Yep. It's why I have my apartment."

Her face falls.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

She tries to recover, and her expression goes neutral. "Isn't that your fuck pad?"

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

"It's okay. You can admit it."

"I mean—" I put my napkin to my mouth, trying to find words.

"I'm not stupid, Jagger."

I grip the cold bottle and slowly find my words. "Yes, I've not been a saint in there. But I bought it for several reasons, one being that it's a place off the ranch I can go to just be alone."