“Seared tuna salad and green tea, please,” she said without looking up.
Nina leaned back in her chair, smoothed the fabric of her slacks over her knee, and pulled out her phone.
Jasper hadn’t texted.
“Nina? Is that you?” a familiar voice suddenly broke into her thoughts.“I can’t believe it. What a coincidence.”
She turned her head slowly.
Margo.
One of those women who inserted herself everywhere, always knew everyone’s business—especially when it wasn’t hers.
“Hi,” Nina said with a brief nod, slipping her phone away.“That is unexpected.”
They’d known each other for years. Never close friends, but always aware of what was happening in each other’s lives.
“I’m honestly shocked,” Margo said, already sliding into the chair across from her without asking. Her gaze swept over Nina’s face, her figure.“I was sure you’d left the country. You know… after everything.”
“After what exactly?” Nina’s voice stayed even, though cold edged through it. Her divorce from Frank had become public spectacle, and it still infuriated her.“As you can see, I’m fine.”
“Yes, I can see that. You look incredible, by the way. Like all of this just made you stronger.” Margo leaned in, eyes glittering with curiosity.“But tell me honestly… how did you survive it? After what that bastard Garth did to you?”
Nina’s fingers froze against the tablecloth.She lifted her eyes to Margo.
The pause stretched.
She wasn’t shaking from fear.
Or pain.
She was shaking because, for just a moment, she’d forgotten: the past was always nearby. Waiting.
All it took was a stranger’s voice—and it came back like a slap to the face.
“What are you talking about?” Nina asked dryly, taking a sip of water.
Margo’s smile widened just a touch—she could tell she’d hit a nerve.
“Oh, come on,” she laughed, as if Nina were playing dumb.“That story. God, everyone was talking about it back then. It’s just… those things fade after a while. But I remembered it recently and thought—wow, you really went through hell. And you never said a word. Just kept it all inside.”
Nina straightened. Folded her hands in her lap. Looked at her directly.
“I’m sorry, Margo, but I didn’t come here to discuss other people’s speculation,” she said calmly, icily.“And you might want to be more careful about what you repeat from trashy gossip sites. That kind of thing can land you in trouble.”
Margo blinked. Froze. Then forced a tight smile.
“Of course, sorry. I just… so it’s not true?” She laughed, but Nina could see it clearly—she didn’t believe her for a second.“You’re holding up well after the divorce.”
“Thank you,” Nina said evenly.“But let’s not dig all that up again. Too many words have already been put in my mouth. I prefer to speak for myself now.”
“I get it,”Margo nodded.“I probably dumped all that on you at the wrong moment.”
“It’s fine,” Nina softened her smile slightly.“You’re not the first. It’s just not a topic I discuss over dinner.”
“Yeah, that was awkward,” Margo laughed again, glancing away.“But you really do look incredible. Like a woman who knows what she wants again.”
At that moment, a familiar voice cut in.
