Page 316 of Blackwood

The waiter nods and heads off, menus disappearing with him. Conversation dips for a moment, the quiet hum of the restaurant filling the space—silverware clinking, low jazz bleeding through the speakers, the scent of seared steak and truffle pasta curling in the air.

By the time the drinks arrive, the tension’s already softened. Daniel’s chatting with the sommelier, Clay’s trading a story with Roman, and I’m trying not to inhale the bread basket before the entrées show up.

A few minutes later, the food arrives. Plates gliding onto the table one by one, each one a small work of art. Steam curls upward, carrying the smell of garlic and herbs, butter and wine. Forks scrape, glasses clink, someone laughs softly down thetable. For a moment, everything feels easy. Warm light, good food, and the rare quiet that settles over people who finally have nothing to survive for a few minutes.

“Alright,” Clay says, adjusting his cufflink. “What’s the lineup for tomorrow?”

I take a sip, my voice a little hoarse. “Just two more. One trio. Latin. Faster, sharper, more grounded. It’s a firestorm if we hit it clean.”

Savannah leans in with a smile. “After what we saw today? I have no doubt. You girls were stunning. That trio… I’ve never seen chemistry like that.”

Ellie beams, “This one’s even hotter, Mom.”

I nod. “We’ve been sitting on it all season. Javi saved it for Nationals on purpose.”

Lex grins. “He’s a bastard. I respect it.”

“And the duet?” Clay asks, looking toward me.

“Me and Josh close the entire day with ourPillowtalkroutine.”

“It’s slower,” Ellie adds, “but it simmers. Way darker than tonight.”

Lex grins, not even pretending to behave. “My baby’s sexy in that one. Like fucking foreplay on a stage.”

Cade groans. “Lex.”

Lex shrugs, completely unapologetic. “What? We’re all family here. And by now, I think it’s safe to say everyone knows how the three of us are.”

“Good lord,” I mutter, taking another drink.

Ellie grins and points at me with her straw. “He’s not wrong. There’s enough sexual tension in your trio to power a small country. I’m just glad it’s somewhat choreographed now.”

Savannah’s cheeks turn pink, but she’s still smiling.

Clay just raises a brow and mutters, “Remind me to keep the grandkids far from the Nationals footage.”

Roman leans in, voice low, calm. “You were extraordinary tonight.”

I meet his eyes and this time, I let it sit there a moment. Let the words land. “Thank you,” I say quietly. “For being here.”

His brows lift slightly, surprised. I reach out and rest my hand on his.

“I mean it,” I add. “You didn’t have to show up. But you did. You’ve been showing up, you keep showing up. For me.”

Lex doesn’t move but I feel the shift across the table, the tension pulling tight through his shoulders. His jaw clicks once and he takes a slow sip like it might keep him from exploding.

Roman smiles and it’s not the polished, intimidating one he usually gives. It’s quieter. Gentler. “I wouldn’t have missed it,” he says. “But Bella, when we’re back in New York, I’d like you to come by The Obsidian. There’s something I want to talk to you about, something I want to give you.”

Lex leans forward. He doesn’t say a word, but his silence is louder than anything.

I nod, slow and steady. “Okay. I’ll come by when we’re back.”

Roman’s smile lifts again. “That sounds perfect.” He picks up his drink, swirls it once. “How are you feeling about tomorrow?”

I let out a slow breath. “Honestly? I don’t know. I saw the lineup. It looks like three Latin routines. Everyone’s trying to impress the guest judge. Our piece is good, it is, but…”

“But?” he prompts gently.