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I glance at her, but my thoughts are elsewhere. “Yeah, they looked amazing,” I reply, hoping I sound excited enough.

I smile at Mirta, trying to shift the focus. “You ready to get out of here?” I ask, my tone casual but with a hidden urgency. “We can go somewhere else, just the two of us.”

Mirta’s face lights up immediately, her eyes sparkling. “Yes! I’d love that!” she responds, practically bouncing in her seat.

Without a second glance at Mia or Ryan, I push back my chair and stand up. “Goodnight,” I say, not looking at either of them. My words are sharp, probably more than they should be, butright now I don’t care. I’m too preoccupied with the mess I just made.

Mirta waves at them as I lead her out of the restaurant, eager to put some distance between me and the tension I’ve just created. As we step outside, I can feel the weight of everything—everything between me and Mia—still hanging in the air. It’s high time I put actual effort and leave Mia alone. She’s clearly not interested, and since Ryan continues to hover around her, maybe they’re looking to rekindle their love.

As much as it hurts to think about, I have my career to figure out, make my dad proud, and get back in the good books of my fans all over the world. Plus, the sooner I find myself a woman, the sooner I can return to L.A. and leave everything here behind.

“So, where should we go?” Mirta asks, wrapping an arm around mine.

“You tell me.”

“An ice cream shop?” she suggests. “After a meal, I love to eat something sweet.”

I wink. “A sweet tooth, just like me. An ice cream shop it is.”

MIA

Ican’t believe he just did that.

Jack’s outburst, leaving without a word, has left me seething with frustration. What exactly is his problem? It’s one thing to be frustrated about the date, but it’s another to act like he’s being tortured. All I wanted to do was help him find someone, yet it feels like he’s actively trying to make this as difficult as possible.

Does he realize how hard this is for me, too? I’m embarrassed and unhappy with myself. As the matchmaker, there’s no reason I should feel this way, but honestly, I hate seeing Mirta all over Jack like that. It was hard to watch, even harder to pretend I didn’t care. But I’m supposed to be the professional one, right?

So why won’t he just cooperate with me?

The sooner I can help him out and get him out of Bardstown, the better it’ll be for me. And to make matters worse, I’m left here with Ryan, pretending that I’m not absolutely livid. He’s sitting next to me, chatting away like everything is perfectly fine. His voice is light, friendly even, but all I can focus on is the bittertaste in my mouth from watching Jack storm off with Mirta in his arms.

Ryan laughs at something he says, and I realize I’ve missed most of the conversation. I force a smile, nodding along, but my thoughts are far from him.

“Are you okay?” Ryan asks, his brow furrowing in concern. I know he’s noticed my lack of attention. He always does.

I quickly shake my head, trying to push my emotions aside. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… tired, I guess,” I lie, forcing another smile. I don’t want him to know how upset I am, especially not about Jack.

Ryan leans back slightly, a frown on his face. “Should we leave?”

“Yes, please,” I sigh with relief, raising my arm to call the waitress over and settle the bill.

Ryan, though, seems to think he’s doing me a favor when he says, “I’ll pick up the tab.”

I almost laugh at his offer, though I hold it back. “No,” I say firmly. “You suggested the double date to help me and Jack. I’m paying.” I’ve got enough to deal with already, and I don’t want him thinking I owe him anything else.

Ryan starts to protest, but I shake my head. “No, really. I’ve got it.”

When the waitress arrives and I ask for the check, she surprises me with her response. “Mr. Calloway has already paid.”

I freeze for a second, trying to process what she just said. “Mr. Calloway?” I repeat, confused.

“Yes, ma’am.” She nods and drifts away.

I shake my head, refusing to dwell on it any longer than necessary.

“Let’s go, Ryan.” I grab my purse and head toward the exit, ready to leave this weird night behind me. Ryan follows me out, his hand brushing against mine as he helps me into the passenger seat of his car. He’s being nice, but it doesn’t make me feel better. Nothing’s going to make me feel better until I can figure out what’s going on inside my own head.

“Well, I’d say the double date was a success,” Ryan says as he drives me home, his tone light and teasing. “Did you see how attentive Jack was to Mirta? I think he really likes her. And I wonder what they have planned for tonight,” he laughs, his voice lighthearted and amused.