To Love Irrevocably [18+]

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Believe it or not, I'm accompanying my boss to lunch. Not a business lunch, but as friends hanging out. It's a Saturday and Seren is out shopping right now. Since we've spent every waking moment together, we both decided that we would do something without the other. Don't they say space makes the heart grow fonder?

The restaurant chosen is something I can afford. In the city, there aren't many of them, so finding one always makes me happy. Since my checks have been rolling in, I send some home and save the rest. Food is my only other expense after my bills. That and sometimes when Seren and I have dates. Though she's fond of paying for the both of us or we split our tabs. It's rare that I do treat us.

"So, Sutton, how are things with..." Chandler trails off, and I assume he's forgotten Seren's name.

"Seren," I remind him, smiling. "We're doing great. Things are simple and easy. I feel like I can share anything with her. Our relationship feels genuine and good."

He nods, cutting into the steak placed before him. "That's good. I'm happy for you."

It's weird to hear those words come from Chandler Novak. While I'd consider us friends, he's still a closed off man who doesn't show a lot of emotion. It's not anything I can or will ever fault him for, but it's still going to always be a surprise to hear such encouragement from him. I appreciate it and I don't hold back from telling him that.

"So," I mumble after telling him my thanks, "How are the wedding preparations now? Did everything go over okay when you and Sienna double-checked the venue?"

A sigh leaves him and I assume it's something bad, but then he lifts his face with a small smile. "The venue was fine. Everything is fairing nicely and I assume it's because of my name, no matter how conceited that sounds. We've sampled cakes dozens of times which has finally paid off. Vanilla, by the way. My tux has been fitted to perfection. We've picked flowers, decorations, and colors. It's all worked out."

"That's amazing. I reckon it's nice to finally be at this point in your engagement. The wedding is a few months away. Things are good... feels great, right?" I ask. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but my curiosity is genuine about how engaged life is treating the man.

"Feels amazing." He nods, a corner of his mouth tilting up. "It also helps that Sienna is pregnant. She's stressing about her dress naturally, but I continue to tell her it'll take nothing to get fitted towards the actual wedding time."

My jaw drops at his news and how casually he said it. The smirk on his face grows as he looks at me, shaking his head now. Then he chuckles and the sound still surprises me.

"Con—congratulations," I stutter out, still in shock. "Wow, that's amazing news."

"Aye, that it is. But enough about me."

Things grow awkward for me. Even after months of being in the city, I'm still weird with conversation. There are times where I can hold one and there are times where I still freeze up.