<b>Chapter </b><b>307</b>
Christine shook her head<b>, </b>clearly not buying into my reasoning. “Plus, you’re divorced now. Do you think a few words from you <b>will </b><b>make </b>him back off? Setting a deadline is better.”
<b>At </b>that moment, I had <b>to </b>admit she had <b>a </b>point. When I learned Mark had harbored feelings <b>for </b>the same girl <b>for </b>twenty years, I thought she must be lucky. But realizing that girl was me left me feeling more indebted than fortunate.
I struggled to <b>find </b>the proper response.
In the silence that followed, Christine leaned across the table, yfully flicking my earring. “Jane, why not give it a shot <b>with </b>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 <b>to </b>toy with someone’s heart. True devotion deserved true devotion in return. If I couldn’t offer Mark that, it was <b>only </b><b>fair </b><b>to </b>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 <b>for </b>dinner tonight?”
By “our usual <b>spot</b>,” she meant the upscale private club we often frequented.
I balked at the suggestion. “Isn’t that a bit pricey<b>?</b><b>”</b>
Christine said, “Don’t worry. It’s on me<b>.</b><b>”</b>
I couldn’t believe my ears. “What<b>, </b>did money just fall into yourp?<b>”</b>
“It did.<b>” </b>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 ount, and I can’t get <b>it </b>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 <b>I </b>each drove our cars, trying to snag seats just in time<b>. </b>Still<b>, </b>we got caught <b>in </b>the evening rush and arrived at the club to find Mark waiting.
“Take it easy.” <b>Mark </b>saw me hurrying and came over to offer a supporting hand, his voice gentle with concern. <b>“</b><b>It </b>rained, and the ground’s slippery. Don’t twist ankle.”
<b>your</b>
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<b>?</b><b>”</b>
“Not at all.” Iughed<b>, </b>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, <b>I </b>veered off.
After taking <b>care </b>of business, I walked past a partially open door whenughter and teasing voices spilled out. “Ha! You’re such a character. Who would send 999 roses for a grand opening? What <b>are </b>you doing, professing your love or proposing?”This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.
My steps halted abruptly. That sounded eerily simr to the incident with York sending the flower arrangement that morning.
<b>999 </b>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<b>, </b>you should be brave enough <b>not </b><b>to </b>let her take the <b>fall</b><b>!</b><b>”</b>
“Bro<b>, </b>since you’re so tantly supporting her, <b>why </b>not justy it all out? <b>Isn’t </b>a rtionship all about moving forward together<b>? </b>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 <b>yet</b>. If you’re worried about her getting into trouble again<b>, </b>send her abroad. If she’s unwilling to do that<b>, </b>maybe it’s time to call it quits.”
“Shut up.” A sharp retort cut through the banter, its coldness silencing the room. The voice <b>sounded </b>eerily familiar.
Without thinking, I reached <b>for </b>the door handle and pushed the door open.
Chapter 308