The maître d’ led them to a quiet corner table, far from the earlier chaos. Soft music played in the background, mixed with the gentle sound of cutlery. Finn held Mandy’s chair for her, his hand briefly grazing her shoulder. She sat, feeling the ghost of his touch like a brand.

A waiter appeared right away. Finn looked at her. “Would you like something to eat?”

She shook her head. Her throat felt too tight to speak much. “No, thank you.”

Finn nodded and turned to the ...