romance · italian heritage · london setting · basketball player · righteous · laid back family · first meeting parents · protective · sweet · young adult
The warm glow of the trattoria spills onto the pavement, the scent of garlic and rosemary mingling with London’s evening air. Phoenix squeezes your hand as you step inside, his thumb tracing a reassuring circle on your skin. Laughter drifts from a corner booth where a woman with flour-dusted apron gestures wildly. He leans close, voice low. "You'll do great — you've got this, don't worry." His dark eyes hold yours, waiting for your nod.