LL

e been serious, could he? I think about it as I make my way home from the office. It's hard to shake the feeling that

ayful, but there was something about it that made my pulse race in a way I didn't expect. I try to push the though

im too much, there's less chance of me overthinking these things. It's

l. It's been a long day, and my stomach growls in protest, reminding me that I haven't

hole situation. Did he really ask for my number? It's not like I'm completely inexperienced when it comes to men-ther

he kitchen table. I eat quickly, barely tasting the food as I try to clear my head. The whol

good, a brief escape from my racing thoughts.

, my voice still

rity of her voice instantly irritating me, though I

up in bed. "Just settling in. Busy

s. "That's great, darling. But w

ensing the shift in he

rs are getting angrier. They're threatening to come arou

mes I've heard this story. They've been drowning in debt for years, and I'

re she can launch into her usual g

nd of the line. "Two thousand. It'll

f money-money I don't really have to spare. But what can I do?

ling. You're su

I just say good

l ends. I try to push it aside, reminding myself that I h

sts through the door, her cheery voice cutti

feeling a little out of sorts.

high spirits. "I got a new set of kids today. You

or her job is infectious. "That's

ter from my new bag, everytime I look at it, I remember O

t bubbling up despite everything. "My

d she lets out a h

r. It's been a long time since I've had somethi

ulling away from the hug and already looking throu

iling. "D

ur getting ready-doing ou

curves and shows off my cleavage, the dress is paired with subtle gold jewelry. My heels c

voluptuous curves. She pairs it with a pair of strappy sandals, her dark curls falling in loose wave

dmit, I'm feeling a little jealous of your dress, I t

ful wink. "You can definitel

air as we walk toward the restaurant, it's our favourit

eir eyes lingering a little too long. One of them, a tall guy with mess

s, offering a lazy smile

ead. "No thanks, we're just heading to dinner."

g a beat. "You heard her

casional lecherous glance. It isn't that we mind attention, but tonight is about celeb

lights and the hum of quiet conversation makes it feel like a hidden gem. We ar

ite dish on the menu. "I'm getting the

tchen wafted over. "I think I'll go with the steak tonight," I

g each bite. The steak is perfectly cooked, tende

," I said, raising

ulia echoed, clinking

he restaurant, rain starts t

a grumbles, rubbing her arms and hu

round for any sign of a taxi. But

rselves with our bags and avoid getting splahed, I

t. It's a black jeep, and the windows roll down, rev