(50) Matthew

I know I've been MIA for quiet a while. I'm really sorry. My family is going through a rough time. Let's just say, for the first time, I truly understand what 'health is wealth' really means. I'm doing the best I can to get myself through it. I missed you so much. ❤️

Matthew set down his phone as soon as he finished a business call. Jessica was patiently waiting in front of him, just across the stacks of pancakes on the table.

They were sitting not far from the glass window and the light streaming in a way that made her hair glow like fire. It emphasized the cute freckles on her cheeks.

It was almost lunchtime, so they decided to get brunch at his brother's restaurant. She was craving pancakes, and they ordered every flavor on the menu. It was like every other Brunch they had before, but there was something different about this.

"Where were we?" He finally asks.

She smiled. "We were talking about when we started liking each other." She slathered her blueberry pancakes with syrup. "Honestly, I can't remember the exact moment I started liking you. It just happened. Next thing I know, I was in denial."

"That's a shame. I remember the exact moment I did."

Her mouth hangs open. "No way."

He shrugged.

She groaned. "Don't make me feel bad!"

He laughed.

"Tell me." She jabbed his foot from under the table.

He shakes his head. "Nope. Not telling."

She purses her lips at him. It was so adorable that he would've given in but his phone pinged.

Saved by the ping.

Jessica turned quiet, expecting another business call.

He checked his phone and was relieved that it was just Cade. He didn't really mind the business calls. But that was before.

Jessica turned to her pancakes as if to give him some privacy. She shot her a questioning glance when he put his phone back down.

"It's just Cade asking me why I didn't meet up with him earlier for a run."

"Oh." There was a hint of recognition on her face, and then a flush of realization rose to her cheeks.

He tamped down a smile. They both know what he's been up to earlier to miss the routine he had with his brother.

He took a sip of his coffee and nodded.

She played with her fork for a bit before setting it down. "I have something to tell you about Harper," she says.

He stiffened.

She shakes her head, a little smile on her face. "No. It's not what you think. You never have to feel bad. Neither of us won't ever have to."

He stayed silent, urging her to go on.

"She went to my apartment this morning to see me."

He arched a brow. "This morning?"

"Yeah. When I told you I thought someone was at the door, it was her. Turns out, the girls were behind the whole Harper thing."

He felt his brows furrowed in confusion. "You mean they knew all along?"

"Yeah. They said I needed a little push, so they made a deal with Harper."

"A deal?" He hears himself say.

She nods slowly. "Yeah. Plus, they fed me false information and made me think the wrong things."

"Like what?"

Her gaze dropped to the table. "They made me think that you asked Harper to the charity event. I'm sorry about how I acted the other night."

"Wait, that's why you were upset the other night?"

Now that he thinks about it, it makes sense. Jessica has never snapped at him that way.

She gave him a wry look. "Let's be honest. I was more than upset. I was being a jealous bitch."

He couldn't help but grin. "You were jealous?"

Jessica's face turned red. "I feel like you're enjoying this."

"Seeing you blush? Of, course," Matthew says, still grinning."

"Why did you think I was acting the way I was anyway?"

He shrugged. "I figured you had an awful day. Your shoes had cakes of mud on them. You were trailing mud on the floor too."

Her eyes rounded. "I was? Why didn't you tell me? Now the staff will think I'm a jerk."

"I'm sure they won't. You really looked like you had the worst day." He reached for her hand on the table and gave her a comforting squeeze.

She stares at him. "I wish I just swallowed my pride and told you that night. But I've already made plans on how I was going to tell you."

"What was it?" He couldn't help the excitement in his voice. A few days ago, he never thought he had a chance.

"I was going to make you dinner," she replies, fluttering her lashes at him.

Damn. He would've loved that.

"It sounds like a great plan."

She slapped a hand on the table. "I know, right? I would've dressed in a really cute outfit that might convince you that you like me."

His lips curved into a small smile. "I thought I made it pretty clear when I asked you out on a date."

She gaped at him. "Wait, what? You mean party-pooping Spencer was right?"

He tried not to think about the things Spencer could've done to earn the 'party-pooping' title. "See? Even Spencer knew it was a date."

"Well, I'm not as bright as your Spencer, so you have to be clearer than that." She crossed an arm over her chest as if in defense.

Matthew laughed nervously. "Well then, can I take you out on a date tonight?"

"Really?" Her arms dropped to her side, the indignant look on her face melting away.

He nods.

A beautiful smile etched across her face. "Okay."

"Then, you can make that dinner later this week?" he asks boldly.

Her hand went over her chest. "Matthew Parkinson, I never thought you'd be excited to see my attempt at domesticity." She gasps as if she just realized something. "Where are we going tonight?"

He was a little hesitant, but he was determined. "How do you feel about the opera?"

He sucked in a sigh of relief when her face lit up.

"I love the opera. My parents used to take me." She beamed. "Why do you look so relieved?"

I was trying to impress you and thought it might have backfired.

He shakes his head. "Just glad you liked it."

"Of course, I like it. Everywhere is fun with you." She gives him a playful smile—borderline flirty.

Matthew flinched when he felt something under the table. "Are you sure about that?" he asks distractedly.

"Mm-hmm." She propped an elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm. She was staring at him with those beautiful green eyes.

There was another nudge on his foot. It took him a minute to realize what was happening under the table. He couldn't help but smile.

"What are you smiling about?" She asks, treating him to a coy smile. Her foot inched past his ankle.

He playfully narrowed his eyes on her. "You know what I'm smiling about."

She bats her lashes at him. "I have no idea, I swear."

Something caught her eye. Just over his shoulder. It must've bothered me a lot because her foot stopped under the table. She had her brows knotted together like she was trying to understand something.

Strangely, he was a little irritated at whoever was dividing her attention. He snuck a glance over his shoulder, the growing irritation melting away when he saw France. He was making gestures with his hands and... his face like he was trying to tell Jessica something. However, he looked like he was signing gibberish because Jessica's face kept getting confused.

Jessica put her hand over his on the table. "Matthew, can you excuse me for a second? I just, um, need to deal with something."

"Is that something making weird facial expressions?"

"Yep. He's embarrassing himself." She leaned in with a smile and pecked on the side of his cheek. "Be right back."

"Okay." He grinned. If the kiss had been a bribe, it worked perfectly. He watched her half-run half-walk toward France, and then they both disappeared into Andrei's office.

His phone buzzed on the table.

A crease forms between his brows. Kierra just sent him a text. She was asking if he was in town.

It must be about his best man duties.

Damn, he forgot about that. She promised that he could be hands-off, but he felt bad that he had completely forgotten about the wedding. He replied that he was indeed in town, however, he'll be out of town for three days—that part he's yet to tell Jessica tonight.

He sighed.

For the first time, he hated the idea of going out of town. Even more so when things are going well with him and Jessica. Sure, they'll text, and he'll call, but he still hates it.

His phone buzzed again with a reply from Kierra. She was just reminding him that the rehearsal dinner is next week.

Oh, that.

For some reason, it makes him happy. At least he and Jessica will be in the same room. He'll probably take her to dinner later that night. Before he knew it, he was mentally taking notes of which restaurants served the best fondue.