Chapter 1987

Spencer, unfazed by Stella's request for drinks, flashed a smile and casually asked, "Enjoying the meal? How about we add a few drinks to the mix?"

Stella shot back, "Ever the chatterbox, aren't you?"

Jaylene, displaying genuine concern, frowned at Keegan, "You really shouldn't drink, Keegan. You're still recovering. Alcohol and cigarettes are the last things you need right now."

Keegan responded calmly, "It's fine. I'll just have a few drinks with Spence."

Spencer did a double-take. Surprised, he thought, 'Did he just call me " Spence"?' "Please, Keegan.

Think of your health," Jaylene implored, her worry evident.

Keegan replied with warmth, "I'll go easy then. Why don't you drink a bit more on my behalf? I owe a lot to his family. They were there for me during tough times."

Feeling a sense of inclusion in Keegan's circle, Jaylene could not hide her satisfaction. She glanced at Stella, whose mood seemed to sour further, and quickly agreed, "Since it's your request, I can't say no."

Stella remained silent, internally acknowledging Keegan's influential charm.

Leaning closer, Spencer whispered to Stella, "Seems like your faithful act is going unnoticed. How about eloping with me instead?" "Go elope by yourself," Stella retorted dryly.

"Ingrate," Spencer snorted in mock offense.

Stella planned to get Jaylene tipsy. Trevor had mentioned her average tolerance, which was slightly better than Keegan's. However, Jaylene was now nearing her limit, while Spencer, though slightly buzzed, was far from it.

Slightly drunk, Spencer became more talkative, reminiscing about their school days. Initially maintaining his composure in Jaylene's presence, Keegan grew visibly more irritated as she became drunk when he heard Spencer recounting how he and Stella first met.

"Bro, let me paint you a picture. When I first transferred to her class, Stella sat alone in the back. I chose to sit with her because it was quieter and because she caught my eye. Yet, she never gave me a second glance. I thought she was playing hard to get.

"A whole month passed, and she didn't utter a word to me. One day, she tapped my shoulder and asked, 'Hi, what's your name? The teacher needs it for the information sheet.' "I was dumbfounded. A whole month, and she didn't know my name? I was insulted, honestly. She wasn't the typical high school beauty; she was more of a hidden gem with a unique aura, probably from her dancing. She stood out, but not knowing my name? That hit a nerve. I remembered her name from the first day we met, yet she was clueless about mine. It felt so unfair.