I followed Derek inside the restaurant, my dread making my steps slower. Briefly closing my eyes, I made a silent wish that Ryan wouldn't be here. Hell, I didn't want to be here.

A blonde waitress came up to us with a knowing smile. "Table for two, Derek?"

He nodded, and the waitress led the way to a booth. He obviously came here often. Small lights glowed dimly from the high ceiling, and the tables had a single candle on them that flickered orange shadows across ...