[The next morning]
Leo returned from his morning run carrying a paper tray balanced in one hand and a small brown bag tucked beneath his arm.
By the time he nudged the apartment door shut with his foot, Vittoria had made it as far as the kitchen island, though only just.
Her hair still carried the untidy evidence of sleep, and despite that, Leo couldn't help smiling as he looked at her.
She looked up slowly before folding her arms when she saw Leo.
"Good morning," she said.
"I brought compensation," Leo replied instantly as he walked forward.
"What do you mean by compensation? I never said I was angry," she said, only for Leo to gesture towards her face.
"That smile tells me otherwise," he answered as he set the tray down, took one of the cups and slid it gently across the counter towards her.
The coffee was still steaming, the thick layer of foam dusted lightly with cocoa.
Vittoria wrapped both hands around it before taking a slow sip.
