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?
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