My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 411

This place was exactly what you’d expect from a trendy café that had gone viral online—packed to the brim, with not a single empty table in sight. Every corner was filled, and a line of impeccably dressed girls and guys queued up in front of the famous mural, phones poised for that perfect Instagram shot.

If Xavier Gonzalez hadn’t shown up early to snag a table, Emily Blair and Elizabeth Wilson would probably be left standing, balancing their coffees while they talked.

Elizabeth tugged Emily down to sit across from Xavier, who was already waiting. Emily, ever the bold one, took her seat and gave Xavier a thorough once-over, not even bothering to hide her curiosity.

Xavier had a round face and fair skin, his features were gentle—he could almost be considered handsome. But years of slouching had left him with a hunched back, and he rarely looked people in the eye. When he spoke, his voice was muffled, as though he hadn’t quite figured out how to project. The overall effect was awkward and withdrawn, as if he was trying his best not to be noticed, and it took a considerable toll on his looks.

He had been awkwardly attempting to smile at Elizabeth, perhaps gearing up for a greeting, but the moment he caught her gaze, he dropped his head and pushed a coffee topped with a foamy deer design toward her. “I didn’t know Emily would be coming,” he mumbled. “So I only got two coffees.”

“No worries,” Emily said brightly. “I’ll order my own.” She flagged down a waiter and ordered one of the café’s signature drinks.

While she did, Xavier snuck a quick glance at her from beneath his lashes.

Emily caught it instantly and turned her smile on him. “What’s up?”

Xavier’s lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out. He looked so timid that Elizabeth’s brow furrowed in irritation. She slapped her palm on the table. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Enough with the mumbling.”

Startled, Xavier’s shoulders hunched up, and he watched Elizabeth warily. “Are you mad?” he whispered. “Why are you mad again?”

Elizabeth’s expression shifted instantly, her eyes narrowing. “Why are you asking about Isabella Austin? Do you know her? How do you know her? Are you here to speak up for her or something?”

Elizabeth never missed a chance to rant about Isabella Austin—the girl’s past misdeeds were legendary, and Elizabeth had cursed her name so often, she’d probably insulted every ancestor Isabella ever had. Sometimes, she even found something to say about Isabella’s hair.

Her barrage of questions had Xavier shrinking further and further into himself, until his chin nearly touched his chest.

Despite the crowd, the café was surprisingly quiet, the loudest sounds being the soft click of camera shutters and the low hum of conversation. Elizabeth’s voice, however, rang out loud and clear, drawing the attention—and not a little annoyance—of people nearby.

Emily tugged on Elizabeth’s arm and whispered, “Okay, seriously, calm down. Everyone’s staring.”