Pauly’s POV.

“Eleanor.” My voice was firm. But I was barely holding onto my emotions as I slipped out of the booth. “Can we speak? Privately.”

Eleanor looked at me with a look that gutted me to the core. I worked so hard in the time I had known her to ensure she would never doubt me, fear me, or hesitate around me.

But there was only so much that even I could handle. I extended my hand out to her, watching her look at ...