The private dining room was already loud when Elena walked in.
Their entire friend group was there, spread around the long table, drinks scattered between half-finished plates and phones.
She barely made it three steps before she noticed the only empty seat.
Beside Malachi.
She stopped.
Malachi looked up from his phone.
A slow, irritating smirk appeared on his face.
Malachi: “Oh, absolutely not.”
Elena stared at him.
Elena: “Trust me, I'd rather sit on the floor.”
Malachi: “Then go ahead.”
Someone across the table sighed.
Friend: “Can you two survive one dinner?”
Elena pulled the chair out anyway.
Elena: “Ask him.”
Malachi leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself.
Malachi: “She's the one who followed me here.”
Elena turned toward him.
Elena: “This is my reservation.”
A pause.
Malachi glanced at the table.
Then at her.
Malachi: “That's unfortunate.”
Their friends collectively groaned.
Dinner had barely started.
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