My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 507

Arianna George stifled a laugh as she watched the two young people teasing each other. “Alright, enough, you two,” she said, “Let’s be honest—Emily, you’re almost twenty-four. It’s about time you started dating, no need to be shy about it. And I think Tristan is a great guy—handsome, too.”

Tristan Davis nodded, playing along. “Exactly, Ms. George, you have to convince Emily to cherish me. This is the first time I’ve ever dated anyone. Honestly, I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”

Arianna raised an eyebrow. “Your first love?”

Tristan nodded. “It’s true. Growing up, I never dated. Emily’s the first. Don’t I look like I’d be someone’s first love, Ms. George?”

Arianna’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Not really,” she teased. “Emily, you’d better hold on to Tristan. Where are you going to find another boyfriend as good-looking as him?”

Tristan agreed enthusiastically. “That’s what I keep telling her.”

Emily slumped forward, groaning in resignation. “I give up…”

When the waiter brought out their food, Emily finally managed to relax and focus on her meal.

She and Arianna had known each other for years, so their conversation was lively and comfortable. Tristan, on the other hand, didn’t have much to add about Emily’s past; he mostly just listened as she shared old stories.

But slowly, Tristan realized he was speaking up more and more.

He smiled quietly to himself, then used the serving fork to place a tender piece of meat into Emily’s plate, watching as she absentmindedly brought it to her mouth.

He wondered if Emily had noticed his silence; she seemed to skillfully steer the conversation toward topics that included everyone, never letting him feel left out.

How thoughtful, Tristan mused. Was she trying to make him fall for her forever?

He caught himself grinning at the idea.

Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Suddenly, Emily turned and shot him a suspicious look. “Why are you smiling like that? It’s kind of creepy.”

Tristan’s smile froze. Why did he even bother expecting anything else from her?

Emily’s expression grew calm, her voice even. “Ms. Austin.”

Isabella dried her hands, folded her arms, and stood off to the side. Her smile was gentle, with a hint of something more. “Emily, I’ve been married to Andrew for five years now. Maybe you should call me Mrs. Lane.”

Emily kept rubbing the soap between her fingers, eyes steady as she looked up again.

Isabella’s smile was proud, almost superior, but still carried a veneer of warmth. “You’re Andrew’s sister. Not by blood, I know, but maybe you could call me Isabella. Amelia and Ethan do, and it’s been five years already.”

“I think Andrew would want you to call me that, too.”

Emily rinsed off the soap and dried her hands, returning Isabella’s smile with one of her own. “As you wish, Mrs. Lane.”

Isabella’s smile deepened.

“But,” Emily continued, turning slightly to face Isabella in the mirror, her tone light, “let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I hardly think of myself as Andrew’s sister, and I don’t plan on cozying up to the family. Mrs. Lane, you seem awfully insistent on this—are you feeling insecure? Or is it that you don’t quite trust Mr. Lane?”