Chapter 307
Christine shook her head, clearly not buying into my reasoning. “Plus, you’re divorced now. Do you think a few words from you will make him back off? Setting a deadline is better.”
At that moment, I had to admit she had a point. When I learned Mark had harbored feelings for the same girl for twenty years, I thought she must be lucky. But realizing that girl was me left me feeling more indebted than fortunate.
I struggled to find the proper response.
In the silence that followed, Christine leaned across the table, playfully flicking my earring. “Jane, why not give it a shot with Mark? It’s rare to find a guy that devoted these days.”
‘sighed, “It’s because he’s such a catch that I must be careful.”
I didn’t want to toy with someone’s heart. True devotion deserved true devotion in return. If I couldn’t offer Mark that, it was only fair to let him move on and find someone who could.
Unable to persuade me, Christine dropped the subject. “Anyway, how about we hit our usual spot for dinner tonight?”
By “our usual spot,” she meant the upscale private club we often frequented.
I balked at the suggestion. “Isn’t that a bit pricey?”
Christine said, “Don’t worry. It’s on me.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “What, did money just fall into your lap?”
“It did.” Christine stood up, her bright smile contrasting her red lipstick. “Steven’s break–up fee. I didn’t ask for it, but he dumped it all into my club account, and I can’t get it refunded. Might as well treat everyone to dinner.”
“Okay then.” I couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Ms. Jackson, for showing us a good time.”
Thinking about the dinner, I clocked out at five. Christine and I each drove our cars, trying to snag seats just in time. Still, we got caught in the evening rush and arrived at the club to find Mark waiting.
“Take it easy.” Mark saw me hurrying and came over to offer a supporting hand, his voice gentle with concern. “It rained, and the ground’s slippery. Don’t twist ankle.”
your
I offered a small smile in return. “We called this dinner and made you wait. Sorry about that.”
He waved off my apology. “Why so formal with me?”
“Not at all.” I laughed, shaking my head.
Ever the whirlwind, Christine confirmed our private room with the host and led the way inside.
“Go ahead. I need to use the restroom.” Passing by the restrooms, I veered off.
After taking care of business, I walked past a partially open door when laughter and teasing voices spilled out. “Ha! You’re such a character. Who would send 999 roses for a grand opening? What are you doing, professing your love or proposing?”
My steps halted abruptly. That sounded eerily similar to the incident with York sending the flower arrangement that morning.
999 roses. It couldn’t be a coincidence that someone else did the same thing today, right?
Another voice interrupted, “No offense, man, but if you’re bold enough to do something that obvious, you should be brave enough not to let her take the fall!”
“Bro, since you’re so blatantly supporting her, why not just lay it all out? Isn’t a relationship all about moving forward together? It’s not like we’re ‘birds of a feather that part ways when disaster strikes.‘ Besides, it’s not like we’re at that point yet. If you’re worried about her getting into trouble again, send her abroad. If she’s unwilling to do that, maybe it’s time to call it quits.”
“Shut up.” A sharp retort cut through the banter, its coldness silencing the room. The voice sounded eerily familiar.
Without thinking, I reached for the door handle and pushed the door open.
Chapter 308