Gavin stepped out from beside his parked car and hurried toward them, his face lighting up the moment he saw her.
“Mia,” he said, slightly out of breath. “Can we have dinner together? There’s something important I need to talk to you about.”
Mia hesitated, studying him for a moment before nodding. “Okay. Give me a second—I’ll come to your car.”
Gavin’s smile widened, grateful. He nodded politely at Hazel and Harold, then jogged back to his car.
The second he disappeared inside, Hazel’s eyes went comically wide. She whipped toward Mia and grabbed her arm.
“Who is thathandsomestranger?” Hazel demanded, eyes sparkling. “And why am I only meeting him now?”
Harold’s expression darkened instantly, his lips pressing into a thin, offended line.
Mia rolled her eyes at Hazel’s dramatics.
“He’s James’s friend—Gavin. I met him a few days ago. It’s nothing special,” she said lightly. “We just ran into each other by coincidence. I don’t even know what he wants to talk about, but we’ll see.” She hesitated, then added more quietly, “He helped me out when James caused trouble.”
She glanced between Hazel and Harold, guilt flickering across her face. “I won’t be able to have dinner with you guys today. Maybe tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Hazel said immediately, waving a hand. “Go. Be mysterious. We’ll survive.”
Mia smiled gratefully, gave them a small wave, and hurried toward Gavin’s car. She slipped inside, and moments later, the car pulled away.
Hazel folded her arms, a slow, knowing smile stretching across her face as she watched the taillights disappear.
Beside her, Harold continued staring after the car, jaw tight. “That guy is trying to take Alexander’s place,” he said sharply. “It’s obvious. You can see it in his eyes.”
Hazel’s smile widened. “Oh, I know,” she said cheerfully. “I saw it the second he smiled.”
Harold snapped his head toward her, eyes wide. “Then why didn’t you stop Mia from going with him?!”
Hazel shrugged, utterly unbothered.
“Because she’s my best friend first,” she said calmly, “and your brother’s wife second.” She grinned at him. “If my best friend wants to go on dates with a hundred men, I’ll pack snacks and cheer her on.”
With another shrug and a satisfied little smile, Hazel turned and strutted away.
Behind her, Harold let out an irritated huff. He pulled out his phone, opened Alexander’s contact, and stared at the call button like it might bite him. After a long breath, he muttered,
“Well… looks like I’m your savior now.”
He sighed and pressed call.
***
Gavin and Mia entered the restaurant. It was still early evening, and the place was quiet—soft music playing in the background, sunlight spilling through the glass windows. The modern interior, cement walls, and cool tones gave the space a calm, polished feel.
They walked to a table near the window and sat down across from each other.
“What do you want to eat?” Gavin asked with a warm smile. “Should I order what I like, or do you have something in mind?”
Mia settled into her seat, offering a polite smile. “I’m not really that hungry,” she said. “Maybe we can just get some coffee and talk about what you wanted to discuss?”
“Oh no, no,” Gavin said quickly, waving a hand. “I’m treating you to dinner. It’s already almost dinnertime.”
“It’s really not necessary—” Mia started, but Gavin had already lifted his hand to call the waiter.
When the waiter arrived, Gavin ordered five main dishes along with several sides. Mia’s eyes widened slightly as she watched him, startled by the amount. She’d already refused him more than once, and saying it again felt awkward, so she stayed quiet and let it go.
