Page 65 of The Blind Date

Batman

Do you want to come?

Saffron:

I'm a little tired, but it's a very tempting offer

I’ll let you know

Victor:

Text me beforehand if you're coming, and I'll get you a ticket

Saffron:

Thanks

Perfectly timed, the waiter approached the table with the bill just as I put my phone away.

"What are you doing?" Cedric frowned, narrowing his eyes at me.

"I was reaching for the bill." I matched his frown. "What are you doing?"

"Paying for the bill."

"Why are you paying for the bill?"

"Because it's my treat,” he deadpanned. "That’s the way these things work, darling.”

"Don't be so condescending,” I huffed. "I don't think you should have to pay the entire bill. It's not fair."

"I certainly don't have any complaints,” Cillian grinned, sparing us a glance before returning his devoted attention to Penny.

"You paid for the bill last time," Cedric reminded me. "That means it's my turn to pay the bill this time."

"Yes, but when I paid, it was a date, and I only paid for two people. It's different this time. My parents are here. That's a lot of people you'll be paying for."

"You want this to be a date?" He quirked a questioning brow, his lips tilting up at the corners into a slow, smug smirk.

"You've completely missed my point." I rolled my eyes. "Now give me the bill. If you're not going to let me pay all of it, then I should at least pay half."

"Too late," Cedric grinned.

"What do you mean it's too late?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing together in the middle.

"I slipped my card to the waiter when you weren't looking."

I blinked hard. “What? When did you do that?"

"When you were arguing with me." He shot me a smug grin, and when I looked up to land my accusatory stare on the water, the grin on his face was nearly as smug as Cedric’s.

"If only you two didn't hate each other,” Cillian tutted as he and his date rose from the table to join our parents. "You would have made such a great couple."

"Don't make me come get you,” Cedric threatened, but Cillian was already off.

"I guess I should thank you for paying the bill,” I murmured and turned to face Cedric.

I wasn’t annoyed because he paid the bill. I was annoyed he paid the billafterI had treated him so horribly this week. I certainly didn't deserve it and was surprised he didn't see it the same way. In fact, it felt like he was more determined to pay now than when we went out.