He shrugged. “If there are leftovers, you take them home.”

I chuckled as Pietro headed back to the kitchen to get our drinks. “I get the sense that there is no arguing with that man.”

“None.”

Dinner flew by far too fast, in a mix that was uniquely Bell and me. Part deep conversations about life and purpose, part stomach-twisting laughter and shared memories of the past. It felt good to bring Violet out into the light again. I was starting to realize that I could appreciate her for what she had been for me, and not force myself to think of her as something she wasn’t. She’d been my first love, the perfect match for the boy who was growing into a man. But she was never going to be my life partner. It didn’t make her any less valuable, it didn’t mean it hurt any less to lose her. It just meant that I could stop blaming myself for losing my only shot at love. Because I hadn’t.

“I’m stuffed.” Bell groaned as she rose from her chair.

I patted my stomach. “I think that third cannoli might’ve been overkill for me.”

Bell laughed. “I tried to warn you.”

“They were too good.” I placed a hand on the small of Bell’s back, guiding her through the restaurant that had begun to fill over the past two hours. I’d felt eyes on us throughout the evening, even heard a whisper or two. But I’d forced myself to ignore it, to focus on the woman in front of me.

I felt Bell’s body jolt before I saw them, the two people I’d been dreading running into since the moment I stepped foot on Anchor. Bell came to a dead stop right in front of the hostess stand. “Mom. Dad.”

The sharp edge of my anger took me by surprise. For so long, I’d felt nothing but guilt when it came to the Kiptons. Even when Heather had threatened to sue me if I had any contact with their family, I’d excused it. I’d welcomed all the blame she’d wanted to place on my shoulders. After all, I’d been driving that night. If I would’ve reacted differently, maybe her daughter would still be here.

But now, there was a fire low in my gut. I knew they’d been grieving, but they’d hurt so many people with their actions. Their daughter most of all. And that was something I wasn’t sure I could forgive.

“What—what are you doing here? What are you doing with him?” Heather spluttered.

Bell’s jaw hardened. “I imagine we were doing the same thing you and Dad are. Having dinner. But we’re done now, so we’re heading out.”

Bell took a step forward, but her mother moved to block her. “What are you thinking, Isabelle? This is a disgrace.”