Page 83 of Nate

Markie couldn’t help but laugh at her mother’s feisty spirit. “That’s for sure. Let’s get back out there.”

The women made their way back to the table, Markie suppressing a laugh as she saw Jarrett glaring at Nate. However, Nate simply continued eating, completely ignoring Jarrett’s intense gaze.

After they finished their meals, the server arrived and inquired about dessert options. Everyone declined, and Nate requested the check.

“Just the check, please,” he said politely.

The server returned with a leather checkbook, which Nate opened and placed his credit card inside before handing it back to her. After a few minutes, she returned with the receipt which Nate swiftly signed and handed it to her, along with a generous tip.

“Are you sure you can afford that, Jefferson? I could chip in.” Jarrett smirked.

Nate smirked. “I’ve got it covered; besides, I would never make Stella pay for her own meal.”

Markie noticed Jarrett clenching his jaw at the remark. Nate knew Stella’s money was funding their lifestyle, not Jarrett’s, and Nate wanted him to know he was aware of it.

As they exited the restaurant, Markie took Nate’s hand as they walked side by side. They were followed by Jarrett and Stella who parted ways with them at their respective vehicles. Nate drove Markie to her place. Once they got inside, she proceeded to tell him about her mother’s suspicions regarding Jarrett.

“So, your mom thinks he’s been stealing her pills.” Nate shook his head. “And I probably watched him do it.”

“Yeah, she’s convinced of it, but you had no way of knowing, Nate.”

“I knew he was bad news from the moment you told me about him. And after meeting him, it was crystal clear.”

“I should have listened to my gut when I first met him,” Markie stated ruefully.

“You couldn’t know.” Nate squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“She needs to kick him out. How could he stoop so low as to take her medication when she needs it?” Markie fumed, clenching her fists.

“He’s an asshole, Markie. Plain and simple,” Nate affirmed.

“I told her to kick him out, but she said she was lonely and that’s why she fell for his lies. And he knew how to do it. How to pull her in and he knew the right time to do it.”

Nate took her hand in his, gently kissing her palm before meeting her eyes. “He knew she was vulnerable. Damn, he’s a piece of work. She’d be better off without him.”

“I just hope he leaves peacefully and doesn’t hurt her in any way.”

“You don’t think he would, do you?”

“I asked her that and she said no. But I can’t help worrying.”

“What do you want to do? We could go to the B and B now.”

Markie let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know what to do.” She looked at Nate with uncertainty. “She shouldn’t confront him until they get back to Idaho. He might just leave her here and go back to their...herhouse.”

“Then text her now,” Nate suggested.

Markie grabbed her phone and quickly composed a message to her mother. After a few minutes of anxious waiting, her mother replied, and Markie let out a sigh of relief.

“What did she say?” Nate asked, concerned.

“She said she’s decided to wait until they’re back in Idaho. Thank God.”

“Yeah, really. When are they leaving?”

“According to her text, tomorrow. She can’t handle this situation any longer. I’m going too. I don’t want her alone with him.”

“I can go if you want me to.”

---