Chapter 28

From Alessia's POV

I had to hand it to Daunte for not wanting to give up on me. But as much as he wanted me, I knew I was not ready and wasn't sure if and when I would be. As we drove, I stared out the window at the trees passing by, and my mind wandered. I was stuck in limbo between everything I knew and everything I thought I knew. I was so lost in thought that I did not notice the car stop until I felt tingles run up my arm from Daunte placing his hand on top of mine.

"Forgive me," he said, removing his hand from mine. He gestured to a diner, saying, "We're here." I followed his gaze and saw that the small cafe was brightly lit and inviting. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, feeling a sense of anticipation.

There was nothing special about the diner; you could call it a hole in the wall, but it was warm and inviting all the same. The ambiance was that of a 1950's era. The diner was decorated with vintage furniture and old-fashioned signs. The tables were covered in re