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I got into my car, put him on loudspeaker, and buckled up. “Well, I reported my deadbeat sperm donor, and now he’s going to jail. Thought I should tell Mom the good news!”
Soren chuckled. “You’re efficient.”
“Of course! I’m not going to be his scapegoat!” I grinned. “I’m not going to jail in his place, that’s for sure!”
“Honestly, you’ve impressed me again.”
“Thanks, but let’s get back on track. Why are you calling me?” I asked, steering the conversation back to its course.
“Nothing much. I just wanted to know if your injury’s healed.”
I suddenly remembered it. I’d been so busy that I had completely forgotten. I rolled up my sleeves and glanced at it.
“It’s healing up nicely! No pain or itching anymore. Thanks for asking.”
“My pleasure.”
11
Just like that, the conversation seemed to stall. There was an awkward pause, but also something oddly interesting in the air.
I cleared my throat. Just as I was about to speak, he started, ‘You’re driving, aren’t you? I shouldn’t distract you. Drive safely. Good—”
I suddenly realized I didn’t want the call to end so soon. “Wait!”
“Hmm?”
“Um, are you… Are you busy now? If not–and only if you’re not–let’s have lunch together. I owe you a meal, right? I promised I’d buy you lunch when you’re free, to thank you for always helping me…”
There was a brief silence.
I realized he probably had a packed afternoon ahead. “Actually, never mind! You’re probably really busy right
now,
so let’s-”
“Let’s go. Where should we meet?”
I was a little surprised. “Wait, really? It was just a random thought. You’ve been busy with work lately. I was worried my plan might conflict with your schedule.”
“It doesn’t. I haven’t had lunch either,” he replied, then joked, “Don’t tell me you regret inviting me to lunch!” “No! That’s not it! Um… Let’s go to the Oriole again. I can have my friend reserve a private room for us,” I said.
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll need about 40 minutes to get to the Oriole from here. If you’re there before me, please wait!”
“Got it. Don’t rush, though. We’ve got time.”
I called Jean immediately after that. She was predictably confused. “Which VVIP is it this time, girl? You’re racking up debts, aren’t you?”
She made a pretty literal point. The Oriole was Metropolis‘ premier restaurant. An average person could easily spend their entire monthly salary just to eat there. And here I was, supposedly owing Soren 40,000,000 dollars.
Chapter 138
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Honestly, I should be saving money!
1 stammered, “T–The same guy… As the 1–last time…”
“The last time?! Soren Kenway?!”
“Yeap…”
“Holy shit. Spill it, sis! What is going on between you two, goddamn it? Are you seeing each other and just not telling me about it?!” Jean demanded, her voice rising.
“No! We’re not together or anything. I told you a few days ago, right? I saved his life, so he’s just returning the favor.”
“Liar, liar–pants on fire!” she remarked. 1
“Look, I’m driving, so I really shouldn’t be talking right now, okay? Just help me reserve the table.”
I ended the call and sped up a little. I just wanted to get to the Oriole as quickly as possible.
I’d just told my mother how impossible it was for Soren and me to be together and how far apart we were, but honestly? My brain had already decided to forget all that.
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