My Last And My Only

Chapter 160: Missed You

Lindtsey sent the message just after lunch.

The group chat lit up almost immediately.

Mezzo is finally having a quiet day. Khae and I both have the day off, so the café can breathe for once. No need for a full crew today. Anyone want to use this rare miracle and go out?

Christine replied first.

A miracle? I'm in.

Yves followed right after.

Before reality ruins us again, yes.

Gwen added a string of excited emojis before typing,

Dinner and gossip.

Nica didn't even pretend to hesitate.

Bonding day.

Francheska chimed in a second later.

Somewhere with good food, please.

Christine, naturally, took that as her cue to start organizing everything.

She suggested a place.

Yves vetoed it.

Gwen offered another.

Nica approved.

Francheska said she would go wherever there was dessert.

And just like that, the plan was made.

A rare free day.

A small break from work.

A chance to sit together without rushing, without schedules, without the usual noise of everything else waiting for them.

It felt almost like a holiday.

Almost like summer was giving them one last soft afternoon before it disappeared completely.

By the time they all met up, the mood was already light.

Christine was talking before anyone had even sat down.

Yves was laughing at something Gwen had said.

Nica was scrolling through the menu like she was preparing for battle.

Francheska was already asking what everyone wanted to order.

And Lindtsey, who had started all of this, looked far too pleased with herself.

"This was a good idea," Gwen said as she settled into her seat.

Christine pointed at her immediately.

"See? Someone appreciates my genius."

"You didn't even plan this," Yves said.

"I supported the plan."

"That's not the same thing."

"It is if I say it is."

Nica laughed softly.

"Can we just agree that we're all here because Lindtsey and Khae finally got a day off?"

Lindtsey smiled, leaning back in her chair.

"Technically, yes."

"Technically?" Francheska repeated.

"The café is quiet today," Lindtsey said. "We don't need a lot of crew members running around, so Mezzo can survive without us for a few hours."

Christine clasped her hands together dramatically.

"A peaceful day. I love that for us."

Yves gave her a look.