Chapter 897

“Mr. Gardner,” Skylar greeted, rising. Turning to Joe, she asked, “Are you guys here for dinner?”

Joe’s jaw was clenched; his bad mood was evident. Skylar expected him to ignore her, but he replied, “Yeah, did you all come from the hospital?”

“Yes, we’re almost—”

Before Skylar could finish, Joe interjected, “What a coincidence. Let’s eat together.”

Aiken smiled at Joe and said, “Let’s order a few more dishes.”

Skylar sat back down.

John, however, was annoyed. He’d wanted to speak privately with Joe about several matters. He couldn’t ignore the strange tension between Joe and Skylar, or Aiken’s involvement. The atmosphere among the three was exceedingly awkward. He regretted not checking his horoscope that day; perhaps he should have invited Joe to dinner next week. But he couldn’t leave now, and could only sit.

Aiken ordered additional dishes.

While Skylar and Joe remained silent, awaiting their food, John began conversing with Aiken. He didn’t know Aiken well, but they’d frequently crossed paths in Jipsburg and at various events; small talk was easy enough.

Suddenly, Joe asked Skylar, “Did you drive here?”

Skylar, engrossed in texting Natalie to escape the awkwardness, hadn’t heard him at first. Joe’s icy tone made the question clear. “Yeah, I drove,” she replied.

“Let’s go home together after dinner,” Joe added.

“Alright,” Skylar replied, surprised. Did he have no other plans with John? Why go straight home with her? Hadn’t he asked Lucas to drive him? She couldn’t ask. The tense atmosphere returned, though thankfully not for long. Their additional dishes arrived quickly.

After a few bites, Joe stood, announcing, “We’re leaving. Enjoy your meal.”

“Oh, alright. We’ll get together again soon,” John mumbled internally, noting Joe’s pallor and his terrifyingly displeased expression upon seeing Skylar and Aiken eating together. Aiken’s demeanor was equally puzzling, while Skylar seemed entirely unaffected. Yet, John knew she and Joe had quarreled; his mood hadn't improved.

“I’m finished. Ready to leave?” Aiken asked John.

John, though not full, felt distracted and lacked appetite. Smiling, he said, “Let’s go. I have a few things to attend to.”

Joe drove, Skylar in the passenger seat. He seemed to handle her car competently. Silence reigned, the air colder than at the restaurant. Just as Skylar reached for the radio to ease the tension, Joe spoke.