CHAPTER SEVENTY – ARE WE ON THE SAME PAGE

The next morning, Joan woke early, her head slightly fuzzy from the wine and the emotional toll of the previous night. She slipped out of bed quietly, not wanting to wake Vito just yet. In the kitchen, she busied herself making coffee, the familiar routine helping to ground her tumultuous thoughts. As the rich aroma of brewing coffee filled the air, Joan heard Vito stirring in the bedroom. A few moments later, he shuffled into the kitchen, looking disheveled and slightly worse for wear. "Morning," he mumbled, making a beeline for the coffee pot. "God, my head..." Joan handed him a mug, studying his face. "How are you feeling?" Vito took a long sip before answering. "Like I got hit by a truck. What happened last night? Everything's a bit... fuzzy." Joan's heart sank a little. "You don't remember?" Vito squinted, concentrating. "I remember coming home... you looked amazing in that robe. And then... did we take a bath?" "We did," Joan confirmed, trying to keep her voice neutral. "I