David parked his car outside the exclusive "Imperium" restaurant, taking a deep breath before stepping out. The evening air was crisp, a welcome change from the usual tension that seemed to follow him everywhere these days.
But tonight, for a few hours, things were different. He wasn't thinking about Carter, Matt, or his family. Tonight was for Nita.
As he walked toward the entrance of the restaurant, he saw her waiting by the front door, dressed elegantly in a black dress that contrasted with her hearty smile. Her eyes lit up the moment they locked with his.
"You actually came," she teased, a playful grin spreading across her face as she stepped toward him.
David chuckled, feeling an unexpected lightness in the moment. "I told you I would, didn't I?"
She gave him a mock-serious look. "You did, but you're not exactly a man of your word when it comes to socializing."
