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The cool air pricked my skin as soon as we stepped inside. I should have brought a jacket. The interior was breathtaking, spacious, and well lit with expensive chandeliers.
“I will be right back. Let me get our table,” Tristan whispered close to my ear and walked away with his warmth I needed.
I looked around as I waited. My breath ceased when my eyes met my mother’s. I thought she’d be surprised, seeing me, as I was to see her, but she looked irritated and enraged.
CHAPTER27
EUPHORIA
My mom looked away first, unable to stand the sight of me. She was with her group of friends, the ones she met up with once in a while. She faked smiles and laughter, as if she enjoyed their company. I had seen the way she rolled her eyes and hissed when their names appeared on her phone screen.
“Let’s go. Our table is ready,” Tristan said, placing his hand around my waist. The gesture pulled me out of the darkness slowly consuming me.
I turned to him with a forced smile. I took one last look at my mom and found her friends staring at me with contempt and eyeing me with mischief. Tristan must have noticed my hesitation to move because he followed my gaze and saw my mom.
“Oh shit,” he mumbled, increasing his grip around me. “I didn’t know she’d be here. I can make another reservation for—”
“No, I’m fine. I will pretend she is not here,” I said, placing my hand on his chest.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, lead the way. I’m starving.”
He nodded and led me to the table at the far end. He helped me to my seat before taking the seat in front of me. He had purposely made me sit on the seat facing away from my mom and her friends. I didn’t mind.
I ran my palm down my arm to ease the cold away. I hadn’t expected it to be this cold inside.
“Here.” Tristan took off his jacket and gave it to me.
I put it on, whispering my thanks. The jacket swallowed me, covering the beauty of my dress, but I would rather stay warm than drown in the cold.
A waiter arrived, and I turned to Tristan for help with the menu. We were served some champagne before the waiter left. I took a glance at Tristan, not sure about drinking in public.
“You can drink if you want. I doubt you ever turn down alcohol,” he said.
I rolled my eyes with a glare as I took a sip. He smiled, his eyes scanning the menu.
“Has it always been this bad?” he asked.
“What?”
“You and alcohol.”
“It’s just something to take the edge off. I’m not an alcoholic. I know how to control it.”
“Okay, if you say so. Then, I will make you a deal,” he said, leaning closer to the table.
Why did I find his hands sexy?
“I don’t like where this is going,” I admitted.
“No alcohol from now on till your birthday,” he said, and I laughed, finding his deal funny.
“Are you serious?” My laughter ceased. “But there are moments I really need it.”
“Deal?” he said without waiting for me to concede.
“What do I get in return?”
