Gabriel laughed, catching her attempt to dodge the subject.

“I’m fine, really. But if I keep going at this pace, I’m going to turn into your literary manager. I’m this close to starting a fan club.”

This time Celina laughed with genuine warmth.

“Gabriel… you’re amazing, you know that?”

He lifted his water glass in an impromptu toast.

“And you’re strong. Much stronger than you think.”

The evening drifted on between small talk and silences filled with thought. Celina tried to ignore a couple seat