He swallowed hard, forcing himself to look away from them. No, no, no. That can't be it. Maybe it's just… the way I was staring at Mira's mom. Damn it. I don't understand women at all.
Nolan gave them an awkward smile, hoping it would ease the sudden tension, but both Celia and Linda only exchanged glances before looking away.
A moment later, Mira's mother, Aria, returned, carrying a tray with careful hands.
"Ah, I hope I didn't take too long," she said warmly, her smile as radiant as ever.
"No, you didn't," Nolan replied quickly.
Celia and Linda glanced at him again, their expressions unreadable, but this time they didn't hold their stares. Nolan felt the silence press against him like a weight.
"This is one of my special dishes," Aria said cheerfully, setting the tray down before them. "Omelette, with some meat. Please, enjoy your meal."
