𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝑋𝐼𝐼𝐼

The food was incredible, a pleasant surprise that lifted my mood. I ordered the same as Janet, trusting her recommendation. She suggested the scotch eggs, telling me it was a popular UK dish that I just had to try.

When the food arrived, I took my first bite, and it didn't disappoint. The soft boiled egg, wrapped in seasoned sausage, fried to a crispy perfection, was unlike anything I'd tasted. I glanced over at Janet, who was watching my reaction with a smile, her eyes glinting with satisfaction at my approval.

"This is amazing," I said, savoring another bite.

"Told you," she winked, clearly proud of introducing me to something new.

"So, Mariah, what do you think about us so far?" Gil asked, raising his brows with a playful smirk.

I glanced at Janet, who was watching me with an amused smile. "Um, I think you guys are cool so far," I said, then added, "How do you guys like working for Janet?"

They all exchanged pleased smiles and nods, clearly entertained by my question. Gil hummed, clearly pleased. "Okay, I'll answer first!" He raised his hand excitedly, making everyone laugh.

Janet smiled, leaning in a bit, waiting for his answer.

"I love working for this woman. She's not only my boss, but she's my best friend and my hero." He glanced over at Janet, and I watched as she began to blush, leaning back in her chair, looking down with a shy smile.

Kelly, Nikki, and Tina started clapping, only making Janet shake her head, laughing, clearly touched by the attention. "Oh, stop," she said, waving a hand as her cheeks grew pinker.

Gil leaned in with a grin, adding, "I'm serious, though. She treats us like family, sometimes like her kids! It's not every day you get to work for someone who cares about you, who really sees you."

Kelly nodded in agreement. "And we have fun. Janet makes it easy to forget it's work sometimes," she added, and Shawn laughed, nodding.

Nikki and Tina exchanged knowing looks before Tina added, "Janet's done a lot for me, and I'd do the same for her." She lifted her glass of orange juice in a small toast.

Janet ducked her head with a shy smile, clearly moved by their words. She looked at me, her eyes warm, and I felt a little surge of pride, like I'd just uncovered something deeper about her, a side only those closest to her got to see.

"Yeah, Janet's done a lot for me too. She even offered me a place to stay once," Shawn chimed in. Her gaze softened as she looked at Janet. "I was afraid my parents would kick me out for being gay, but thankfully, they didn't. I didn't end up staying with Janet, but I eventually got my own place, with her help. She's the best."

Shawn lifted her glass in a small, heartfelt toast, never breaking eye contact with Janet, and the rest of the table followed suit, raising theirs with warm smiles.

I raised mine too, nudging Janet playfully as she shyly lifted her own glass. "Stop it," she giggled, blushing as her eyes darted down to her lap.

"Cheers to Janet!" Gil sang out loudly, raising his glass high with an enthusiastic grin.

"Cheers to Janet!" her dancers echoed in unison, their voices filling the cozy, dimly lit room with warmth and affection.

I laughed, joining in as we clinked our glasses together, celebrating the woman who had clearly left such a lasting mark on everyone here. After finishing our meals, Janet stood, and I followed her lead as we all got up from the table, ready for whatever she had planned next on our London adventure.

"Did you guys go to the hotel yet?" Janet asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"No, we came straight here," Nikki replied, glancing at Janet.