The weight of exhaustion presses into my bones. “I don’t know. I’m pretty wiped. And I’m sure Elias is tired after his long flight.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Violet behind Elias’s back.

She widens her eyes, mouthing. “pleeeeease,” and pressing her palms together.

Sleep can wait, I guess. “You know what? It’s still early. I could eat.”

Violet’s face lights up like she just won a lottery scratcher.

“If Elias is up for it.”

He nods. “Always starving.”

I shake my head, laughing. “A family trait, no doubt.”

Elias flashes a grin that’s pure trouble. “Let’s do it. Feed me all the Lowcountry, teine. I’m ready.”

We end up at one of my favorite spots tucked away near the Battery—a worn brick building with creaky floors, mismatched chairs, and food that tastes like home.

The second we step inside, the scent of butter and spices and something rich and fried wraps around us. Elias breathes in deep, his whole face lighting up.

“I think I’m gonna like it here,” he says.

Violet slides into the booth next to me, bumping my shoulder with hers as she grins across the table at Elias.

“You’re about to be ruined forever.” Her voice drips with flirtation.

I don’t need to turn my head to know she’s turning on the sparkle. She’s so obvious, she’s leaving a trail of glitter across the table.

Vi rattles off a list of appetizers and entrees to the server. I order some of my favorites, and Elias grins like he’s ready to eat whatever we throw at him.

The table fills up, one plate after another. A heavy cast-iron skillet lands in front of us, steaming with creamy shrimp and grits, the buttery sauce pooling around the edges.

Next comes a wide bowl of she-crab soup, the smell so rich it makes my stomach growl out loud.

A basket of hush puppies follows, golden and hot, a tiny pot of honey butter melting faster than we can slather it on.

By the time the last plate drops, every inch of the table is covered with bowls, skillets, and baskets balanced on top of each other like a game of edible Tetris.

Elias digs in like he hasn’t eaten in a week, groaning around every bite.

“Zero regrets,” he says, grabbing a hush puppy and taking a huge bite, eyes closing like he’s having a religious experience.

Violet laughs, resting her chin in her hand as she watches him eat.

“So… you like Lowcountry food, huh?”

Elias waves a forkful of grits in the air like he’s delivering a sermon. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. No offense to the rest of my life.”