The One Who Rejected Her

The aroma of sizzling meat and steaming sauces greeted River as she pushed open the swinging doors of the restaurant. The lunchtime rush was just beginning. She could tell by the steady stream of customers filling the tables and lively chatter buzzing in the air.

She would love the view as she had come to cherish normalcy after being harbored in the De La Morts mansion for years, but right now, with Gonzalo’s episode, nothing seemed soothing to her.

Tara, who was wiping down a counter near the entrance, spotted River and rushed over. "Thank goodness you're back!" she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron. "I need you right away." Her gaze traveled to the anxious expressions on Rain and Leo's faces clinging to River's side.

"Everything alright?" River asked, shortly forgetting the encounter with Gonzalo.

Tara didn't seem to notice the apprehension in River's eyes. "Everything's fine, just swamped," she said, ushering them towards the back. "Go drop them off in the living room