Breakfast came and went. Plates were cleared, coffee cups emptied, and one by one, the team filtered out of the dining area with the hum of morning chatter trailing behind them.
But Damien never showed.
Maya tried to hide her disappointment behind quiet sips of juice and half-hearted nods at Harper’s attempts to keep the conversation going. It was no use. The hollow ache in her chest only grew heavier with each tick of the clock.
Trina’s voice eventually cut through the quiet lull. “Alright everyone, we’re meeting by the beach tiki bar in twenty. Quick prep and staging before we begin rolling. Let’s go!”
Chairs scraped back. Sandals padded off across tiled floors. Soon, the breakfast area was nearly empty.
Maya stood slowly, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Harper walked beside her
