The dessert course unfolds much more smoothly than the main meal.
Ivy's obsession with pancakes smothered in chocolate sauce is one that clearly extends beyond the comfort of home. She orders them eagerly, handing her menu to Ryan, who nods enthusiastically and agrees that “extra cream” is always best—causing my jaw to tighten.
When he returns with Ivy’s pancakes and a glass of champagne for Mason, Ryan does a last round, asking if anyone needs anything else. Everyone says no, except Ivy, who remains silent.
“Ivy? You sure you don’t want anything else?” he presses.
There’s something about his unprofessional persistence that grates on me. I’m not oblivious—I can tell when someone’s being flirty. But Ryan’s persistence, despite Ivy’s polite, tight-lipped smiles, leaves me wondering if he genuinely doesn’t get the hint or just won’t take it.
“I’m good, Ryan, thank you.”
Her tone is polite but firm—a clear message that he’s free to move on. He nods and finally walks off to tend to another table.
“What kind of waiter does that?” I mutter. Mason whistles beside me, giving me a knowing look. “Someone’s jealous…”
“I’m not,” I reply, rolling my eyes. “I just don’t get why she doesn’t tell him to back off.”
“She has,” Mason replies, swirling his champagne. “He acts like it’s all friendly, but he knows she’s not interested. Ivy doesn’t lead people on; she’s just polite.”
“Polite enough that he doesn’t realize she’s saying no?”
Mason raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Relax, Al. He’s not a threat.”
“It’s not that,” I say, shaking my head. “I just don’t like that she seems uncomfortable around him.”
“She doesn’t trust many people outside of us, or Rosa and her husband. It’s how she is,” Mason explains.
The irritation I felt eases into a pang of empathy. Ivy doesn’t see the world like most people. In her eyes, everything outside her small, trusted circle is potentially harmful—and that must be exhausting.
Tyler catches my attention from across the table. “Hey, Alex?”
“Yeah?”
“Dex and I are working on a way to make the club less of a time-suck. We’re sick of never having time off, but I could use your help with something.”
“Anything,” I reply, curious.
Tyler clears his throat. “I’m thinking of asking Rosa if some of the kids at the institution, the ones turning eighteen and looking for work, could help out. If you’re around, would you mind keeping an eye on things at home?”
Before I can respond, Ivy suddenly sits up, her legs uncrossing abruptly. “You’re leaving again?” she pouts, and it catches me off guard.
*Again?*
“Where to?” I ask, glancing between them.
“Only for two or three days,” Tyler explains. “The drive to the institution is about two hours each way, and I’d rather not drive back late at night. Plus, Rosa and Charles would want me to stay a bit.”
“I don’t need babysitting,” Ivy huffs, even as her expression betrays a hint of worry.
Tyler gives her a soft, understanding smile. “It would make me feel better.”
She frowns but reluctantly nods, returning her attention to her pancakes.
“How long will you be gone?” I ask, still trying to wrap my head around it.
YOU ARE READING
𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟
RomanceWhen Alex Haulten moves from London to Los Angeles to live with his best friend Tyler, he meets his younger sister, Ivy, but she is nothing like what he expected. The young woman is rude, cold, and does her best to make Alex feel uncomfortable. Lit...
