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“You’re welcome.” She folded the napkin from her lap and set it on the table. “We can leave if it’s too awkward to stay here.”
He didn’t answer.
“I enjoyed getting to know you. I’ll understand if you didn’t want to see me again,” she said.
His eyebrows shot up. “Nonsense. It doesn’t mean we can’t hang out as friends.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
He reached for her hand. Chantelle complied, grateful he didn’t storm from the table. Javier’s thumb rubbed against their clasped fingers. “It’s disappointing, but I’m glad you told me the truth.” He flashed a beaming smile. “I was so scared to tell you how I felt in high school, I didn’t want to miss another opportunity. Even if you didn’t feel the same way, I wanted to try.”
She touched her free hand to her chest. “I don’t know what to say.”
He leaned in and kissed her hand. “You don’t have to. Thank you for giving it a chance.”
“So we’re good?”
He winked. “We’re good, Chantelle.”
“Well, I didn’t expect to see you here, Chantelle,” a familiar voice said.
Chantelle lifted her chin to spot Lance’s mother. Her eyes bugged. What was she doing here? “Mrs. Taylor? I didn’t expect to run into you.”
“This is the best restaurant in town. It may not be upscale as others, but the food is delicious.” She faced Javier. “I’m Mrs. Taylor and you are?”
“Javier Flores.” He shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Mrs. Taylor smiled, releasing her grip. “Well, I won’t keep you. I’m having dinner with my future daughter-in-law. You met Lance’s fiancé, right Chantelle? Andrea Williams. Famous model.”
“I have. He’s lucky to have her,” Chantelle said, ignoring the itching on her scalp. Typical of Mrs. Taylor to rub Lance's relationship in her face. Chantelle wasn’t good enough for him, and his mother never hesitated to remind her. Andrea seemed to fit the bill. Mrs. Taylor got what she wanted, but did she care about her son’s happiness?
“Don’t I know it? They are perfect for each other.” She then waved. “Enjoy your evening.”
Pressing her lips together, Chantelle shut her eyes for a moment. She needed to go home. Now.
“Are you okay?” Javier asked.
She forced a smile. “I’m great. Why?”
“Is there something I should know?” Javier cocked his head to the side.
“She didn’t approve when I dated her son.”
“Wow.”
She blew out her cheeks.
Javier nodded. “I think I understand now.”
She picked at her plate again with her fork. “Understand what?”
“You’re still in love with him,” Javier said. “I know enough about love to recognize it.”
Chantelle’s pulse raced. “He’s getting married.”
“He’s not married yet.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “No. I should have kept my distance from him, but that’s my fault. I won’t sabotage his wedding. Besides, his fiancé is nice. Andrea is one of the decent celebrities who doesn’t mind taking selfies with fans.”
