Chapter 254

Lindey hadn’t mentioned Jace and Tanya would be joining us. Had she, I definitely wouldn't have come. It's not that I'm afraid to face them—I simply didn't want to spoil my appetite.

"Rea, you're here! Now we're all set," Lindey said with a bright smile, pulling me into a quick hug. It's hard to be angry with someone who smiles like that, but I still couldn't help saying, "Lindey, I thought it was just going to be the two of us."

"It was supposed to be, but then…" Lindey shot a quick glance at Jace and Tanya and pouted. "I ran into them by chance."

By chance? Really? I'm not a child. Did she really think I'd believe that? But if I left now, it would only embarrass Lindey and make me look hung up on Jace. So I forced a sarcastic smile. "Wow, what a coincidence."

"We must be intruding on Mrs. Johnston's time with you," Tanya chimed in. If she knew she was intruding, why didn't she leave? Instead, she sat there comfortably. When I first met Tanya, I genuinely believed she was as innocent as she appeared. Now I know better.

I didn't even try to hide my annoyance. "If I'd known you were here, I wouldn't have come."

Tanya's smile faltered, and Jace looked equally uncomfortable. "Can we start eating now?" he asked. That's when I realized Lindey wasn't exaggerating when she said they'd been waiting for me. Now that I thought about it, it was awkward. Tanya, Lindey's future daughter-in-law, sitting there with no food being served. That must have been uncomfortable for her.

"Go ahead and start. Oh, and bring out the pumpkin milk drinks, too," Lindey said, pulling me down to sit beside her. Jace, looking serious, signaled the waiter to begin serving.

"Rea, you've put on some weight recently. Your hands are looking a little chubby," Lindey said. She really didn't miss a thing. I had gained a few pounds lately—all thanks to Hayden. Most people expect weight loss after a breakup, with all the stress and heartbreak. Thinking about it, I smiled at Lindey. "Yeah, I've put on some weight. I'm in a good mood, eating well, and sleeping like a baby!"

A sudden clatter of silverware came from across the table.

Lindey glanced over before saying, "Must be Hayden taking good care of you." Ouch. That was a pointed remark. I was starting to think Lindey might be my real mother. Between me and her son, she was definitely on my side.

I just smiled, but she wasn't finished. "Is Hayden free? If he is, invite him over. The more, the merrier."

"Mom!" Jace interrupted sharply before I could respond. "You love the grilled fish here, don't you? Should I order some?"

"Yes," Lindey replied without hesitation. "Rea loves it, too."

Tanya's already pale face turned ashen—probably from being ignored and dismissed by Lindey's sharp words. She really did look pitiful. But pity and annoyance often coexist. This situation was entirely her own making.

I had moved on from everything with Jace and had no reason to target Tanya, but there was no fixing this mess. It was obvious Lindey disliked Tanya, and she wasn't holding back. Her words always hit like knives.

Jace quickly ordered the grilled fish, diverting the conversation from Lindey's "invitation." I knew Lindey didn't actually want Hayden there; she was simply using his name to provoke Jace.

Soon, the food arrived, along with two glasses of pumpkin milk. There were four of us at the table, and Jace didn't drink sweet drinks, leaving only Tanya. This was becoming painfully awkward.