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The meal turns into a slow kind of torture. Every time I look up, I feel Luke’s eyes on me. I try to focus on James, who is completely oblivious to the tension crackling around us.
“This wine is incredible,” James says, holding up his glass.
I nod, smiling tightly. “Yes, it is.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Crystal laughing at something, her hand resting on Luke’s arm. He doesn’t react, but the sight still sends a pang through my chest.
“You’ve gone quiet,” James says, leaning closer. “Are you sure you’re, okay?”
“Just tired,” I say quickly. “It’s been a long day.”
He nods, thankfully letting the conversation drift to lighter topics. But the tension in my shoulders doesn’t ease. I notice Luke’s presence is drawing looks from the rest of the patrons, which makesCrystal preen.
As we’re finishing dessert, she notices us.
“Oh, Lila!” she says, her voice too loud and too bright as she walks up to our table. “What a wonderful surprise!”
James looks up in surprise, his expression polite but curious.
Crystal smiles at him briefly before turning her full attention to me. “I thought that was you. Isn’t this place fabulous? Luke and I were just saying we need to come here more often.”
Luke stands behind her, having followed in her wake, his face carefully neutral. But I catch the slight tightening of his jaw when he sees James’s hand covering mine on the table.
I slide my hand free as naturally as possible. “Crystal, Luke. Nice to see you.”
“Isn’t it?” She practically vibrates with artificial enthusiasm. “Oh, where are my manners? James Harrison, right? Daddy mentioned you own a magazine.”
James stands to shake hands. “Ah, Crystal Davidson, Luke. Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you!” She clutches Luke’s arm possessively. “We’re just so happy, aren’t we, darling?”
Luke’s smile doesn’t reachhis eyes. “Ecstatic.”
“We shouldn’t keep you from your dinner,” I say quickly, desperate to end this interaction.
“Nonsense! I’m glad I caught you,” Crystal continues, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. “Luke and I are hosting a small dinner party next week, just a handful of close friends. We’dlovefor you to be the chef.”
My wine glass freezes halfway to my mouth. “I…”
“It sounds high-profile—it would be great exposure for you, Lila,” James says encouragingly. “Your food is perfect for intimate gatherings.”
“I’ll have to check my schedule,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “I might already be booked...”
“Please?” Crystal pouts prettily. “It would mean so much to have you handle our first hosted dinner party as an engaged couple.”
The word ‘engaged’ hits like a physical blow. I risk a glance at Luke and find him staring intently at the table.
“I’ll... check my calendar tomorrow,” I say finally.
“Perfect!” Crystal says, turning toward Luke. “We should let you get back to your date. James, it was nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure was mine,” James replies smoothly.
As they walk away, Luke glances back once. The look in his eyes makes my heart stutter.
“They make a striking couple,” James comments.
I take a large sip of wine. “They certainly look the part.”