Broken

Chapter 61: Are we there yet?

Fatima and Zac walk into the breathtaking cave restaurant, Grotta Palazzese, tucked into the cliffs of Puglia, Italy. The soft evening light spills through the cavern, casting a warm glow over the tables set against the backdrop of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing gently against the rocks creates a natural melody that fills the air.

They stop at the front desk, where the host stands ready with a welcoming smile.

"Taylor," Zac says with calm confidence, his arm looped through Fatima's.

The host flips through his reservation book, scanning the names with his finger. "Zachary Taylor?" he asks, his Italian accent thick but smooth.

Zac nods. Fatima, still holding onto Zac's arm, is momentarily distracted as she looks around the cave in awe. The sight is unlike anything she's ever seen—tables carefully set with pristine white linens, candles flickering in the low light, and the stunning view of the sea stretching out before them.

The host grabs two menus, but Zac quickly adds, "Three, please. Our son is joining us." His tone is casual, but the words make Fatima stop in her tracks.

Fatima blinks, caught off guard. Our son? The words echo in her mind, and she glances up at Zac, her eyes wide with surprise. He referred to Khalid as their son, and it wasn't lost on her. A warm feeling spreads through her chest as she watches him, but Zac, ever so focused, doesn't notice her reaction. Instead, he's watching the host grab a third menu.

"This way, please," the host says, gesturing for them to follow.

Zac nods, and they walk behind the host, the sounds of the ocean growing louder as they approach their table. It's perfectly positioned by the water, with a view that stretches out over the Adriatic Sea. The waves lap against the rock below, and the sun begins to dip beneath the horizon, casting a golden hue over the water.

The host pulls out Fatima's chair, and Zac steps forward to help, gently pushing her chair in as she sits down. He takes his own seat, and just before placing his phone on the table, Zac quickly sends a text to Khalid, checking in. The host informs them that their waiter will be with them shortly before stepping away.

Fatima glances around once more, taking in the serenity of the setting. "We have the nicest table. It's right here by the water," she says, opening her menu with a smile.

"Only the best for you, baby," Zac responds, his voice low and affectionate as he opens his own menu.

Fatima giggles, her heart fluttering at his words. "Ohh, such a sweetheart."

"I always am," Zac says proudly, flashing her a charming grin.

Fatima raises an eyebrow. "I know."

As they scan through their menus, Zac's eyes flicker toward the entrance, where Khalid has just arrived. He spots Zac and gives a small wave, mouthing something to the host before making his way over. Khalid adjusts the diamond bracelet around his wrist—one Fatima had gifted him just because—and approaches the table with a casual smile.

"Hey," Khalid says as he takes the seat across from them.

Fatima smiles warmly. "Hey. You've been missing almost the entire afternoon."

Just then, their waiter arrives with a jug of water. The introductions are quick, and Fatima and Zac place their orders while Khalid continues to glance over the menu. After Fatima and Zac finish, Khalid orders as well, and the waiter nods before disappearing into the bustling restaurant.

"I was on a yacht," Khalid says, leaning back in his chair. "This girl invited me on her parents' yacht. She's really sweet."

Fatima's curiosity is piqued, and she glances between Khalid and Zac, raising her eyebrows. "Zac mentioned a girl."