Lisa's POV: Someone's Thirsty

Lisa slowed her steps before the kitchen door.

Voices—low, uneven. She couldn’t make out the words, but that wasn’t necessary. David and Nele—who else? Having a little tête-à-tête, it seems.

Lisa smiled impishly.

Not without me.

Her hand rested briefly on the frame as she leaned in just enough to peek inside.

And there it was.

They stood too close.

Not touching. Not quite. But the space between them seemed to have collapsed. The kind of stillness that only happened when something was about to tip.

Lisa didn’t hesitate. She stepped in like she belonged there.

“Well,” she said casually, crossing toward the counter as if she hadn’t noticed anything at all. “Someone’s thirsty.”

She reached for the cupboard right between the two of them to get a glass. David shifted. Nele didn’t move.

Interesting.

Lisa was turning her back to them just long enough to give the illusion of distraction. The fridge opened with a soft hum.

Apple juice. She poured herself some, unhurried. Let the quiet stretch before glancing over her shoulder.

“Sorry. Did I interrupt something?”

The question landed softly.

David straightened up. “Just talking.”

“Mm.” Lisa smiled to herself and turned back, leaning against the counter now, mirroring them both.

Nele’s posture shifted in response. Shoulders tightening, chin lifting a fraction. “You’re imagining things.”

Gotcha.

“Am I? You should have chosen a more private spot,” she said lightly, taking a small sip. “Kitchens tend to attract company.”

Her eyes flicked to David—just long enough for him to notice.

Then to Nele.

Measured. Curious.

“I mean,” Lisa went on, almost thoughtfully, “some father-daughter conversations aren’t really meant for an audience.”

She emphasized the father-daughter subtly but unmistakably.

David cleared his throat. “It’s nothing.”

Silence again.

Tighter now.

Full of suspense.

She let it sink in. Then pushed off the counter and stepped between them.

“Relax,” she said, her tone easy, almost amused. “I’m not here to ruin anything.”

A pause.

Her gaze moved from one to the other.

“Carry on.”

But she didn’t move away.

Smiling.