Chapter 189

The ground was slick with ice, and Elysin creened awkwardly on her electric scooter, barely managing to keep it upright as she made her way Tarquin watched her clumsy attempts with a look of disdain curling his lips, and without another word, he turned on his heel and headed home.

As fate would have it he bumped into the old man from across the street, who was out throwing the trash. The old man had lived in the neighborhood fo. years and was quite familiar with Tarquin’s mother, which meant he wasn’t a stranger to Tarquin either.

He was the chatty type, and upon seeing Tarquin, he struck up a conversation.

“Tar back on your lonesome, eh? Where’s Elysia?”

“She had to take off; something came up.”

“Gone? Aint you two shacked up yet?”

The comer of Tarquin’s mouth twitched. “You got it all wrong. She and I aren’t on item?

“Come on, come on, you’re both adults. No need to be shy about a little romance. Il tell you what, I’ve got a knack for reading people, and Elysia, she’s got a good head on her shoulders, a real lucky charm.

Plus, I hear she’s the kind to bring prosperity to a household. If you snag her, you’ve struck gold, my boy. Don’t let someone else sweep her off her feet. You’d better catch that good fortune while you can.

Tarquin just stared at him, speechless.

No sooner had he walked through his front door than Keaton’s call came through.

Tarquin, it’s nearly 12, you ready? Don’t forget your date with Elysia!”

*…Il be there shortly.”

After hanging up, he spoke to Elijah, “Daddy’s got to head out. I’ll let Heath keep you company. I brought back some dinner, your favorite dish is in there. Dig in.”

Elijah didn’t say a word, just trotted off obediently to the dining room and climbed into his high chair to wait Tarquin cast a thoughtful glance at Elijah, then reminded Heath, “Call me if you need anything.”

With the roads clear, Tarquin’s car easily outpaced Elysia’s scooter, and he alrived at the cafe well before her.

He settled into a private booth on the second floor, Keaton at his side.

Through the floor–to–ceiling windows, they saw Elysia pushing her scooter, struggling against the cold.

Keaton remarked, “Is Elysia nuts or what? It’s freezing out, and she’s not taking a cab? Riding that scooter must be like an icebox.”

*She’s broke, but yeah, she’s also nuts.”

“You could at least spring for a car for her. Wouldn’t you be quitted if she caught frostbite?”

Tarquin rolled his eyes at Keaton, took a drag of his cigarette, and kept his gaze locked on Elysia.

She was shaking off snow, then carefully removed Elij folded it neatly, and stashed it in her pocket Keaton added, “What’s her rush to see you? She didn’t even bother with makeup, clearly not trying to seduce you”

Tarquin was curious too, he barely knew her. What was her motive for asking Keaton to set up this meeting?

Unaware of their scrutiny, Elysia’s nerves spiked at the thought of meeting Tarquin, She took several deep breaths at the entrance before mustering the courage to walk in Inside, a man sat at the arranged booth. From her vantage point, she could only see the back of his head. Though she couldn’t see his face, his demeanor screamed success.

That had to be Tarquin!

Elysia steeled herself against her jitters, clutching her hands as she approached, “Hello, I-

“Hmm? Elysia? Callum turned around, surprised to see her Elysia was taken aback, not expecting to run into an old acquaintance here.

Without greeting him, she quickly checked her phone for Keaton’s table number, then compared it to the one on the booth. It matched She was baffled, “Why… why are you here?”

Callumn smiled and said. Tve got a meeting. Are you waiting for someone too?”

Elysia nodded, still dazed.

no “Hasn’t your date arrived?”

“No, not yet.”

“Well, since we’re both waiting, have a sent and let’s catch up. Waiter!”

Callum, ever the warm host, ordered a coffee for Elysia as she settled into the unexpected reunion.