Page 17 of Fangs and Fudge

“I’m hungry. You should buy us lunch for all the help we’ve given,” she said. “You know how Everly likes her sweets.”

I almost snorted at her attempt to wheedle him until he agreed.

“You don’t need to buy us lunch. We can just go home and–”

“Is that how friends treat each other? Rejection and abandonment?” Vena asked with a shake of her head at me. “Cross needs us to show him around. When was the last time you went to a restaurant, Cross? You probably want to see how it’s done, right?”

He looked at me. “Vena is correct. There is much I still do not know.”

I glanced between the two of them and gave in. “Where do you want to go for lunch?”

Vena wrapped her arm around me. “I know the perfect place.”

The perfect place ended up being a five-star restaurant that she knew we couldn’t afford.

“You’re taking advantage of the situation,” I whispered to her as she pulled me to the front door.

“When will we ever get the chance to come here? And remember the dessert selection you were drooling over on their website only a few months ago? Chocolat au crumble de fraises, la madeleine au truffle, black diamond lush, luxe--”

“Stop. You had me at chocolat. But Cross has to agree to the prices first. It’s not fair to take advantage of him like this.”

When I turned, I found him standing nearly on top of us.

“You heard that?” I asked.

He nodded. “You are not taking advantage of me, Everly. If the food here calls to you, I am willing to accommodate your desires.”

Vena yanked me inside and over to a man who sneered at my t-shirt. But then his gaze lit when he saw Cross, who, after his recent makeover, looked like a cologne ad with his fitted suit, shirt collar unbuttoned, and styled auburn hair cut short on the sides.

He really did look amazing.

Vena snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Come on. The snooty guy is seating us.”

Cross placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me to the table near the window that overlooked the bustling downtown street. From the view, I saw boutique shops and more restaurants. All high-end. Vena and I were so out of place.

Picking up the menu, sans prices, I looked for something that might not cost as much. Maybe a side salad and a glass of water.

Vena had other plans. She ordered the Gruyère and Crab Palmers, Beef Spiedini, and Kobe Steak with Matsutake Mushrooms.

When the server left with our order, I kicked her under the table.

“What?” she asked.

“Kobe steak? Matsutake mushrooms? Do you realize how much those cost?”

“No. But I ordered water instead of a drink.”

Cross reached across the table and placed his hand on mine. “It’s okay, Everly. Allow me to repay you for all the help you’ve given me.”

“See?” Vena said. “He’s thanking us. Be grateful.”

“I said I was repaying Everly,” Cross said. “Which is why you’ll share your meal with her since she only ordered a side salad.”

“Because you’ve already repaid me. If not for you, Vena and I would still be trapped at that club or wouldn’t have found Miles. Actually, I think Vena and I are still in your debt.”

Vena picked up her phone.

“Let’s get back to finding you a place to live,” she said, eyeing Cross. “That way, I can earn my lunch. I’m sure there are a lot of condos in the area.”

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