Chapter 150


    Jocelyn and Urs were deep into a heart-to-heart talk about the tricky business of love, the kind that


    unfolds when the wine flows freely and the night grows long. Theyughed and cried over memories,


    shared stories. about past flings and long-lost loves, especially Jocelyn’s history with a guy named


    Melvin.


    It seemed he upied a pretty big space in her heart.


    As the buzz of alcohol set in, Urs nudged Jocelyn. “Do you still carry a torch for him?”


    “Yeah, I suppose so,” Jocelyn admitted, her gaze growing distant. “But I can’t love him like that


    anymore.” Urs shook her head. That’s tough, honey.”


    Jocelyn propped her head on her hands, her thoughts spilling out as freely as the wine. “I don’t want to


    marry anymore. There’s nothing good about it.”


    “Is it because of him?


    “No,” Jocelyn replied, cupping her face, her eyes a touch ssy. “It’s just… pointless.”


    Urs countered. Marrying someone you’re head over heels for makes all the difference. I haven’t


    found my Mr. Right yet. But when I do, I’m dragging him down the aisle


    Jocelyn just smiled wistfully. She’d entertain the idea too, if only her man was willing too.


    As they babbled on, a car swerved near them. Then it circled back and parked at the curb.


    Zephyr and Yannick stepped out and walked over. They were an odd pairing-Zephyr in his ck puffer


    jacket, Yannick in white. Together, they looked like they belonged in some trendy fashion spread.


    Jocelyn nced at them and quipped, “Are you two out for a date?”


    There was an awkward pause from Zephyr, and a frown flickered across Yannick’s face.


    “A date? Urs echoed, her attention now on the two men. They were easy on the eyes-one like the


    warmth of summer, the other the cool of winter. One was a bit bashful, the other a touch aloof. Both of


    them were a visual treat, indeed.


    You’re tipsy, Jocelyn, Zephyr remarked in a half-amused and half-worried tone.


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    She was usually soposed. This was another look of her they rarely saw.


    Herugh was like a melody, a flirtatious sparkle in her eyes. “Yeah, I’ve had a few.”


    Concerned she might blurt out something inappropriate, Zephyr offered, “It’ste, and you’ve been


    drinking too much. Let us drive you home.”


    “Urs, who do you want to escort you? Jocelyn turned to her friend.


    Urs was actually pretty sober. She just waved her hand dismissively Tll call a cab


    “Oh.” Jocelyn shrugged “Then I’ll hail one too No need for a chaperone.”


    Zephyr exchanged a nce with Yannick, wondering, “Should we insist on driving her?”


    “What do you think? Yannick shot back.


    “if only Melvin were in town, we could just call him.” Zephyr muttered, shooting another concerned look


    at Jocelyn, who was still reaching for her drink


    These two women could really stir up trouble if they kept at it. If Jocelyn weren’t the apple of Melvin’s


    eye. Zephyr wouldn’t bother


    After a moment’s thought, he sat down opposite them and kept a watchful eye. Yannick stood by in his


    protective posture, deterring any unwanted attention


    Zephyr discreetly filmed a video of Jocelyn and Urs and sent it to Melvin with a simple question:


    (Should we step in?]


    Melvin’s reply came the next second,


    Where are you?]


    Zephyr shared his location and quipped: [You’re not even here, why ask?]


    The conversation ended there.


    Just a few minutester, a sleek silver Porsche pulled up to the curb.


    Yannick looked on in surprise.


    “Melvin Zephyr called out


    The women were startled by the shout. From Urs’s side she could see the man emerging from the


    car, but Jocelyn had to turn around.


    Melvin approached with a stern expression. He was dressed in a ck overcoat. His gaze locked on


    Jocelyn as he drew closer.


    Jocelyn met his stare, but her smile faded as she turned away to avoid further eye contact.


    “Didn’t you go abroad? When did you get back? Zephyr asked curiously.


    An hour ago, Melvin replied. His attention briefly shifted to the empty beer cans by Jocelyn’s seat, a


    frown creasing his brow.


    Zephyr decided to leave them to it. “Well, if you’re here, we’ll head out.”


    “Sure.”


    With a nod to Jocelyn, Zephyr and Yannick took their leave.


    As they drove away, tension enveloped Jocelyn. The buzz from the booze was not enough to drown


    out the awkwardness of the moment.


    “My ride hase, Urs said as she checked her phone. “Do you want to…


    “She’s with me, Melvin interjected.


    Urs nced at Jocelyn, who remained silent.


    “Alright then, I’m off Urs stood up and was about to pay for the bill.


    “It’s on me. Melvin offered.


    Urs raised an eyebrow appreciatively. Thanks.”


    Before she left, Urs whispered to Jocelyn, “Life’s short, have your fun.”


    Jocelyn just cast her a look.


    Urs nodded at Melvin and walked away.


    “Are you done drinking?” Melvin asked.


    Jocelyn had half a beer left but didn’t take another sip.


    “Ready to go?” he asked again.


    She got up to settle the tab.


    Melvin caught her hand.


    Without a fuss, she shrugged off his hand and started for the door.


    Melvin followed and caught her wrist again. “I’ll take you home.”


    He opened the car door, not pushing her but just waiting.


    I don’t want to ride,” she said, her first words to him that night.


    “Fine, we’ll walk,” Melvin conceded and shut the car door.


    They began the trek back to her ce, about five miles away. They walked in silence.


    They were both lost in their own thoughts, the night stretching before them like an untold story.


    Last year, the same scene had unfolded, back when things were better between them-or at least,


    Jocelyn thought they were better than now.


    Another year had passed, almost four in total.


    Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks and turned around. She locked eyes with him. “What do you


    mean?” she challenged.


    Melvin gazed back at her, his hazel eyes stirring with emotion and his lips quivering slightly. “I’ve gotten


    used to you,” he admitted.


    Jocelyn let out a derisiveugh. “Great, then let’s head to a hotel.”


    Melvin’s brow furrowed in displeasure.


    ncing around, Jocelyn pointed towards an inn down the street. “How about a room for a couple of


    hours?”


    “Jocelyn!” Melvin’s voice was a low growl, tinged with anger.


    “You’re all about living for the moment, right? I’m down with that.” She slipped her hands into her jacket


    pockets, adopting a flippant demeanor. “We can have a bit of fun, enjoy the night, then go our separate


    ways. No strings attached. Sounds good?”


    His eyes were stormy now. His anger was apparent.


    Jocelyn raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Isn’t this what you want?”


    “Do you have any idea what you’re talking about? Melvin’s voice was tight, his stare piercing.


    “Of course I do.” She danced on the spot, pouting and widening her eyes dramatically, even belching


    slightly for effect. “You just want something that’s no longer in your control, right? You’re chasing the


    thrill of the chase. But now, you’re stuck at the point where you can’t have what you want. So, the


    forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest, doesn’t it? I’m making it easy for you, Melvin. We’ll have our fun,


    then go back to our lives. You won’t have tomit, and I’ll relish the peace. It’s a win-win. Isn’t that


    what you’re after?”