Chapter 75

I shut down Demi’s persistent matchmaking with a blunt statement. “I’m all about the money. If he doesn’t have it, even if he’s drop-dead gorgeous, it’s pointless.” As the words left my mouth, I caught Hayden glancing over. Perfect. He heard me. I didn’t dodge his gaze. There was zero chance between us anyway, so it was better he got the message loud and clear. His casual touches, and even spraying ulcer relief on me earlier—those small gestures made it obvious he had feelings for me.

“Keira, you’re so shallow,” Demi huffed, clearly annoyed.

I ignored her and Hayden. Demi’s phone rang. “It’s Mr. Lawson,” she said after a quick glance. Gavin? “Yes… I’m in the family area of Section A at the amusement park. Do you need something? Okay, see you soon.” She shot me a look. “Mr. Lawson says he’s coming to see you.”

Gavin was looking for me? Maybe it was about Jace, but I’d told Jace that morning to leave me alone.

Gavin arrived shortly, carrying a food jar. “Ms. Kay, Mrs. Johnston asked me to bring you some cold cucumber soup to help with the heat.” Lindey made it? She hadn’t contacted me, so this had to be Jace’s doing. If it were only Jace, I would’ve refused. But since Lindey made it, I couldn't say no. “Thanks, I appreciate it,” I said, taking the jar.

Gavin lingered, seeming to have something on his mind. Knowing he likely felt guilty about taking me to Splendor Heights, I reassured him. “Mr. Lawson, don’t dwell on it. It wasn’t your fault. If you keep beating yourself up, that’s on you.”

Gavin finally said, “Ms. Kay, make sure to drink the soup. It’s really good for cooling down.”

After he left, Demi, ever the self-proclaimed expert, chimed in, “Keira, that soup was definitely sent by Mr. Johnston.” Like I didn’t already know that. “He doesn’t want to let you go. He still wants to keep you as a backup,” she added.

I offered a bitter smile. Did Jace really think he could have everything his way?

Our food hadn’t arrived, so I started with the soup. I turned to Hayden. “Wanna try some?”

“No need,” he declined curtly.

I shared the soup with Demi. Before I’d finished a bowl, she nudged me. “Keira, Keira, another handsome guy is coming.”

I glanced in her direction. There he was—Wayne. He smiled warmly. “Soup alone won’t fill you up.” He held a lunch box. “My mom made gnocchi with your favorite cumin and ground beef filling.”

“Why were Mrs. Johnston’s soup and gnocchi delivered separately?” Demi blurted out.

Wayne looked confused. “What?”

I understood instantly. The soup wasn’t from Lindey. Jace had Gavin lie about it, figuring I’d refuse if I knew the truth.

“It’s nothing. I was just craving gnocchi,” I said, taking the lunch box. The smell was mouthwatering. Even though my mouth was still sore, I wanted to eat. I grabbed a gnocchi and popped it in my mouth. The tangy filling stung my ulcer, and juice dribbled down my lip.

Without hesitation, Wayne wiped the juice from my mouth.

But then Hayden’s cool voice interrupted. “Your mouth isn’t healed yet, and you didn’t even wash your hands. Are you trying to make it worse?”

Chapter 76