Ash's POV
Walking up to Mister Sun's Diner felt like stepping toward a life I'd abandoned.
Three months gone.
Three months of running from everything, including work.
Now I was back, holding the door handle.
My palms were sweating.
God, why am I nervous? This place used to feel like home.
I pushed the door open, and the bell above me jingled.
The moment I stepped inside, heads turned.
Then…
"Ash?? ASH!"
"Oh my God, you're here!"
"Ash is back!"
Before I could breathe, Jae grabbed my wrist.
"Tell me you're back to work," she squealed, in her dramatic voice. "Please tell me. Sam has been covering my shifts but he literally demands bribes. I'm suffering."
I let out a weak laugh. "Hi, Jae."
More voices piled on:
"We heard what happened…"
"Is it true Dominic is engaged to that girl?"
"Ash, are you okay?"
My chest tightened. I couldn't even pick out one question from the noise.
