“Alright,” Jamison replied. When his gaze met Katrina’s, a silent understanding seemed to pass between them.

“Katrina, come on!” Ivy shot her friend a warning look, her tone half a reminder, half a threat. Clearly, she’d seen right through Katrina’s little act – she was leaving on purpose, just to give her and Jamison some time alone. Some best friend she was!

Jamison turned his attention back to the table, his expression calm and unreadable. But if you looked closely, there was a faint, warm light in his eyes – one that lingered on Ivy, barely there and yet impossible to miss.

An awkward silence settled between the two of them. Ivy, desperate to break it, latched onto the first topic she could think of. “Um… you should order. I don’t know what you like.” She pushed the hefty menu across the table.

Jamison took it and asked casually, “Do you like Western food?”

“It’s alright. Depends on the place, I guess. The steak here is actually pretty good.”

“You come here often?”

“Three years ago… I used to.” She hadn’t been back since she’d returned – mostly because this place was a long drive from her apartment, and there were so many great restaurants in Neo Haven that it felt pointless to come all the way out here. Why she’d picked this place for dinner with Jamison, she couldn’t even say. It had just popped into her head, so she went ahead and booked a table.

While Jamison studied the menu, Ivy sat in awkward silence, feeling a little out of place. She picked up her phone and dove into the group chat.

“What are you getting?” Jamison looked up suddenly.

“Oh, I-” Ivy glanced up, just as her phone rang. It was Katrina calling. Ivy’s gut twisted with a sense of foreboding.

“Hello?”

Katrina giggled. “Ivy, something just came up – I’ve got to go.”

“Katrina! If you walk out that door, I swear I’ll never speak to you again!” Ivy’s face darkened, her voice sharp.

Jamison raised an eyebrow, still looking down at the menu, but his eyes flickered up to catch Ivy’s expression. A smile ghosted across his lips, though he tried to hide it. He’d figured out Katrina’s intentions the moment she’d excused herself to the restroom. He had to admit: Ms. Lester was sharp.

“Ivy, I didn’t do it on purpose. I’d love to stay for dinner, but my advisor just called – I can’t say no.”

“Katrina, do you think I’m an idiot?” Ivy snapped. She understood exactly what had happened. Katrina had planned this from the start – agreeing to come, but only staying long enough to hand Ivy off to Jamison before making her escape.

“Ugh, what a day. Anyway, enjoy dinner with Dr. Ludwig. Have a nice, long chat.” Katrina kept up the fake cheerfulness.

Ivy hung up without another word and tossed her phone onto the table. It landed with a loud thud. She was genuinely pissed.

Jamison glanced up again, watching her little outburst and the way her cheeks puffed out in annoyance. His smile deepened.

“What’s wrong, Ms. Lester?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

Ivy glared at him, saying nothing. They were both sharp – no point pretending otherwise. She knew he’d caught on to Katrina’s disappearing act ages ago.

“It’s nothing. She just missed out on a good meal.” Ivy accepted her fate with a huff, sitting up straighter as she reached for the menu. “Let me see that.”

Jamison had just finished ordering and slid the menu over to her. Still fuming, Ivy picked out all her favorites, determined to treat herself.

Jamison watched her quietly, the smile never leaving his lips. Suddenly, Ivy waved down the waiter. Jamison quickly straightened, suppressing his grin.

A notification chimed – his phone lit up with a WhatsApp message.

Ivy glanced over, surprised. “You use WhatsApp too?”

Jamison’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his cool. “Just a text,” he replied smoothly. She assumed he’d set his text tone to match WhatsApp’s notification sound.

The surprise faded from her face, and she turned back to the waiter. Jamison silently let out a breath, put his phone on silent, and opened WhatsApp. It was a group chat.

Bob: @Dr.Handsome, you’ve been MIA for days. Too busy, or finally hung up your hat?

Dale: Busy, probably.

Jay: I bet it’s something going on with Dr. Handsome and Mrs. Smith…

Coach Murphy: You’re brave, man. [thumbs up]

Dr. Handsome hadn’t shown up in the chat for several days, but Mrs. Smith was still as active as ever. Everyone had guessed something was up between them – things had gotten awkward, and one of them was avoiding the group. No one dared say it outright. Until Jay just did.

Jamison’s eyes slid to the woman across from him, a complicated feeling stirring in his chest. If he told the group he was having dinner with Mrs. Smith right now – what would happen? The chat would explode. The woman in front of him? She’d probably flip the table.

“Um… are you busy?” Ivy had finished ordering and noticed he was still glued to his phone, the silence growing uncomfortable again.

“No, not at all.” Jamison snapped back to the present and offered her a polite smile. “Just checking something.”

“Oh.” Ivy swallowed, struggling for conversation. She’d brought Katrina along hoping the three of them would keep things lively – so there’d be something to talk about. But Katrina had “betrayed” her. Now, the awkwardness was real. Her mind raced for something else to say.

“Um… your nephew – is he feeling better?”

“He’s fine now.” Jamison put down his phone, his usually reserved face softening just a bit. “You brought me those clothes the other day, but I was busy calming him down. I didn’t get a chance to thank you.”

“It’s fine, really. I was busy too.” Ivy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, putting on a cool front. She’d been back for two months now, and her short hair had grown out, falling smoothly against her shoulders. After her rash had healed, her skin had become smooth and delicate again, almost glowing. With the rest and care she’d gotten lately, she’d filled out a little, her whole appearance taking on a youthful softness and innocence.