Chapter 204

Abigail was all in for the juice. It was her current obsession. But she pushed back her bangs to show Sebastian the pimple on her forehead. “Too much sugar gives me these. If my face is covered in zits tomorrow, don’t diss me.”

Sebastian chuckled, “After dinner, I’ll take you to a dermatologist. We’ll figure out how to keep you on sweets and keep your skin clear.”

“Then I’ll end up with diabetes when I’m old,” Abigail said seriously.

Sebastian realized she was truly lacking in the romance department.

“Fine, just this one today. No more sugar for a week,” he said.

He’d never seen this level of patience in himself before. ‘Is this what having a girlfriend is like?’ he wondered.

Girls worried about breakouts from sugar, breakouts from spicy food, and gaining weight–tiny things that just made her more adorable when she vented.

At the Hearth Table, Abigail went to order, telling Sebastian to stay seated.

Judy watched him sit there, long legs barely fitting, too good-looking for the room. Half the diners were gawking. Her eyes lit up.

“Usual order, but make it two plates of bolognese. Oh, and load one up with extra sauce. He likes it,” Abigail whispered.

Judy pulled her gaze back, grinning. “Boyfriend?”

“Not yet. We’re still getting to know each other.” Abigail didn’t beat around the bush.

She considered Judy her family.

Judy was over the moon. “What’s his background? He looks well-off. Does he look down on you?”

“He’s not like most people. Yeah, he’s well-off, but I’m doing pretty good myself. I’m a shareholder here and have other ventures,” Abigail answered, pretending to scan the menu.

Judy beamed from ear to ear. “That’s right, you’re the most amazing. As long as he’s good to you, I can rest easy. Now go take your seat. Let me handle this.”

“Got it.” Abigail put down the menu, schooling her smile as she turned away.

Sebastian was scrolling on his phone. When he saw her coming back, he smiled, “Order’s in?”

“Yep, got my favorite bolognese. I think you’ll love it.” Abigail thought Judy’s bolognese was the best on the planet.

“Your choice, so it must be great.” Sebastian could tell she was on familiar terms with the owner.

The orphanage where Abigail grew up had shut down. Poor management and a lack of donations led to a charity taking over.

That all happened after the old director passed away.

They waited a bit before Judy arrived with two plates.

Sebastian’s was piled high with extra sauce, while Abigail’s looked like her usual order.

The restaurant charged extra for extra sauce, after all.

“All this extra sauce for me?” Sebastian asked with a grin.

“You’re a guy–bigger stomach,” Abigail explained.

He nodded. “True, pasta burns off fast. Without this half plate of sauce, I’d wake up starving at midnight.”

Abigail picked up her fork, urging him on. “Try it now.”

Sebastian twirled his fork, took a sniff, and said, “Smells amazing. She must really know her bolognese.”

“Obviously. Take a bite already.” Abigail was eager to hear his thoughts.

Sebastian took a bite and raised an eyebrow. “This is really good. James doesn’t know about this place in Cobridge? That’s a shame.”

“They usually stop taking delivery orders around seven or eight p.m., so there aren’t many reviews on food apps. Probably doesn’t rank high,” Abigail explained.

After two more bites, Sebastian asked, “What’s your connection to that lady? Is this you introducing me to family?”

Abigail coughed awkwardly. Once she composed herself, she swallowed her pasta and muttered, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I’m asking seriously,” Sebastian smiled warmly.

Abigail licked her lips and dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Not exactly family, but someone important. Anyway, you’re a friend I care about a lot.”

‘Still just friends,’ Sebastian sighed internally but nodded. “That’s nice, knowing you’re introducing me to someone important. And all this extra sauce she gave me–looks like she approves of you having me as a friend.”