Page 12 of When Love Changes Everything

The look she gives me could melt steel, and I feel it right down to the concrete step beneath my feet.

“Okay,” she says, a smile touching her lips as she tilts her chin up. “Let’s be friends.”

But there’s something in her tone, a quiet edge that gives me pause. Why does this feel like a test I haven’t studied for, and a test I’m sure to fail?

***

At the restaurant, we're seated in a cozy booth by a window, where the stunning view of the Hudson River stretches before us, glistening in the morning light.

"Why does everything seem more beautiful when I’m with you?" I ask, the words tumbling out as soon as we settle into our seats.

The waitress, having caught my comment, clears her throat as she sets the menus in front of us, her gaze lingering on me with a hint of amusement.

"Thank you, Mandy," I say, smiling at her.

“You’re welcome,” she replies, flashing me a knowing smile. “Can I get you something to drink?”

We both order coffee, but the moment Mandy steps away, Lisa's gaze sharpens, suspicion flaring in her blue eyes. She leans closer, her voice low but pointed.

"Do you know the waitress?" she asks, one eyebrow arching in that unrelenting, inquisitive way of hers.

I swallow, realizing my blunder. “Mandy and I... we’ve gone out a couple of times,” I murmur, clearing my throat.

"I see," Lisa says, leaning back in her chair as if physically retreating from me. Her voice cool, her expression unreadable. “You also went out with Zoe from the studio. Hmm… did you happen to see Marian while she was in town, too?”

I draw in a breath. “Yes and no. Zoe and I went out once, but no, Marian and I didn’t reconnect.”

"Anyone else I should be aware of?” she asks, her tone laced with sarcasm.

“Lisa,” I begin, choosing my words carefully, “you and I... we’re just friends, remember?”

“Oh, I remember.” Her voice is clipped, her gaze sharp as ice. “I’m just asking.”

I hesitate, then finally admit, “I went out with Meredith Sanders.”

Her eyes narrow. “She’s a realtor at Linder and Morgan.”

I nod, not daring to say more.

“She’s the one who found my condo,” Lisa murmurs, almost to herself as if she’s piecing something together. “So why aren’t you still seeing any of these women?”

I exhale. “I date casually, Lisa. I haven’t been in a serious relationship since—”

“Since Sophia,” she finishes for me. I watch as her face shifts, the truth of my character sinking in. And with it, the last hope I had of ever tasting those beautiful pink lips.

Mandy returns with our coffee, setting the cups down carefully before taking our order. I can feel Lisa watching—assessing Mandy, assessing me.

“So, Mandy,” Lisa says smoothly, her gaze flicking back to me with a hint of mischief. “I can tell you’re dying to ask him something. Go ahead. Don’t mind me.”

Mandy’s eyes widen, her mouth parting as if to deny it, but she hesitates, glancing between us with a sudden, flustered look. “No. Me? No,” she murmurs, shaking her head.

Lisa glances at me with an easy calm before looking back at Mandy. “Really. It's okay. Mateo and I are just friends,” she says smoothly. “I’m his daughter’s best friend, that’s all.”

“Oh,” Mandy whispers, relief flooding her expression as her gaze darts back to me, her posture easing. “How long are you going to be in town?” She finally asks. When I'm slow to respond, she continues. “Give me a call—I’d love to get together and catch up.”

I open my mouth to reply, but Lisa jumps in, her tone casual. “I’ll have poached eggs and toast,” she says, her interruption seamless and deliberate.

Mandy blinks, offering a polite smile as she notes our orders and retreats without another word.

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