AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
Bella was still staring at the glowing red system screen like it had personally betrayed her.
"DATE PROGRESS: 42%"The system said.
"Those numbers should not exist."She pointed at it with her fork.
"They exist because the date is going well."Michael calmly wiped a glass behind the counter.
"It is NOT going well."Bella snapped her head toward him.
Across the table, Xavier leaned back slightly in his chair, one arm resting along the backrest with effortless composure. If anything, the more Bella panicked, the more relaxed he seemed. Which was deeply suspicious, he watched her for a moment before speaking.
"You seem stressed."Xavier said.
Bella stared at him.
"I am trapped in a chapter called 'Small date' with an audience."She said.
"That sounds manageable."He said.
"They are eating popcorn."Bella pointed dramatically at the snack table.
"In my defense this croissant is amazing."Wanessa raised a pastry.
"Five stars."Aiden nodded while chewing.
