Veronica was eating the stack of pancakes Minho had just made for her. These had chocolate chips in them.
"So, let me get this straight," Minho said, flipping the non-chocolate chip pancakes. "You guys are going to attend his brother's debate and then go out for dinner?"
"Yes," Veronica replied, adding more maple syrup to her plate.
"Sounds very couple-y to me," he said in an insinuating voice.
She made a face. "No, it's a thank you dinner. He got me that signed vinyl. Then helped with the wedding, and-"
"-bought you baked goods on a morning you were too exhausted to make breakfast." Cassie chimed in, entering the kitchen.
Veronica groaned. "Guys, he's just being friendly. He's still hung up on Diana. That's the whole reason we are doing this."
Cassie waved away her explanation. "He's still hung up on the idea of her, I tell you."
Minho hmmed in agreement. Veronica looked at her two friends, exasperated. Chan was a nice guy. The kind of person who liked going the extra mile. He was kind, almost too kind at times, but that's all this was. He was a friend, and the last thing she needed was Cassie and Minho's stupid implications to get in her head. She put down her knife and fork and said, "I am leaving this conversation because clearly, you guys have lost it."
Walking out of the kitchen, she saw Selena and Nate talking to Martin. When they saw her coming, they smiled and hugged her.
"Hi," she greeted them. "I didn't know you were coming!"
"It's Friday mornings," Nate said. "Which means there are going to be pancakes."
"I just got my personalized ones with chocolate chips in them."
"Must be nice to slowly rot your insides," Martin commented with a polite smile.
She smiled back, batting her eyelashes. "As long as it is tasty, yeah, sure."
Martin made a face but excused himself when he saw the Fairweathers looking a little lost in the lobby.
"Should I tell Minho that you are here?
"We'll go to the dining room, it's okay." Selena licked her lips. "How are you, Veronica?"
Veronica blinked, surprised by the line of questioning. "I am good. Work is good. We had a little hiccup with the bartender at the wedding, but it all worked out fine."
Selena nodded and then shared a look with Nate. "Is everything okay? Did I do something?"
She wondered if they had found out about her and Chan. Or worse, about Charlotte. But then Nate said, "The guards said they've seen a man lurking around the establishment a couple of times. He also said that he saw the two of you arguing outside the inn a few weeks ago."
Veronica didn't know what to say. She felt her face heat up with embarrassment. Of course, Eddie couldn't take no for an answer. He had to fuck up everything. She felt her insides coil up in shame. Would they kick her out? Is that what this was? She didn't blame them. All their generosity and this is what she did. Damaged their reputation. She and Nate spoke at the same time.
"I am so so sorry, guys. I will handle it asap and-"
"Do you want us to call the police on him if he's harassing you?"
Veronica stopped speaking. Confused. They weren't mad at her?
Selena asked, "Why are you sorry, honey?"
Veronica opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She felt indebted to them for so many reasons. They had given her a job when she had absolutely nothing. She had no money after Peter, her last boyfriend, had spent all her savings on gambling. All she had to her name was five bucks, her high school diploma, and the clothes on her body.
Nate had been the first person to see her enter the inn. It was raining so hard, and Veronica had no umbrella. She had walked around all day looking for someone who was hiring. During high school, she used to work at a hotel as a part-time concierge. She had needed the extra money back then. Especially since both her mother and Eddie cared so little about putting food on the table but acted up when there wasn't anything to eat in the house. The inn was her only hope left. Her Hail Mary. She had begged for a job. She didn't know what she would do if she heard another 'no'. She was tired. Alone. Freezing. And desperate.
Nate had taken one look at her and asked for someone to get her a cup of coffee. They had sat together in the dining room, and Veronica had told him the reader's digest version of her situation. He gave her a job as a concierge at the inn, putting her under Martin's guidance. He even helped her find an apartment to stay at. Every two weeks or so, he would come over to her place for coffee and just ask how she was doing. Veronica knew he had told Selena what Veronica had said to him, but Selena never asked. She was grateful for that.
"You aren't mad?" She finally asked.
Selena looked at her, confused. "Why would we be mad? I am sure you didn't ask for that guy to stalk the inn. You tell us if he bothers you again. Okay?"
Veronica could just manage a nod, unable to trust her voice. They offered her parting smiles before heading to the dining room. She took a deep breath and put on a smile as she saw a couple approaching her desk.
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"Wow," she commented, looking at the ceiling that looked like a Renaissance painting. "This is a fancy school."
Chan chuckled as he took her to the auditorium. They were at Lucas' high school for the debate he had mentioned. The school looked like one of those English boarding schools with elaborate figurines and cherubs. It was beautiful.
The auditorium was huge, with chairs stacked for the incoming guests. She spotted some parents talking to their kids and teachers running around making final preparations.
"Where's Lucas?" She asked him as they took their seats.
"Probably in the bathroom," he replied. "Paper-bagging it."
"He must be so nervous." She usually never participated in events like this in her school. "I have severe stage fright. I can't even imagine doing this. Should we go and find him?"
"Nah," Chan said. "He hates it more when someone tries to cheer him up while he's having a mental breakdown. If it was too severe, he would've told me."
"I like how close you are to your siblings," she commented. "They are lucky to have you."
He looked at her, a small smile on his face. He looked good with his hair like that, all curly and falling on his face. He usually set it back, but tonight he hadn't. He was wearing a black jacket and pants. They were going out to The Thisbe Cookery for dinner afterwards. It was a fancy place, but Chan looked like he would fit right in. She too had put on one of her best outfits, a burgundy velvet dress that was appropriate for both school and the restaurant.
"Why do you say that?" he asked.
Veronica furrowed her brows, confused that he didn't know what she meant. "Chan, you got me a signed vinyl of my favourite band because you saw the CDs at my desk," she started. "You helped bartend a wedding because I asked you to. You drive me home even when you don't have to. You make sure you are there for your friends." She watched as his cheeks turned a little red. "I know for a fact that you'd bend the sky if your siblings asked you to."
He tried to stutter out a response, but then the students started arriving. Veronica saw a boy who looked like a younger version of Chan. He spotted them in the crowd and waved. Chan waved back.
The debate started. Lucas' team won the toss and chose the pro side. As much as Veronica enjoyed listening to the debate, she had more fun watching Chan's reaction to his brother on the stage. It was so parental. The pride in his eyes. She wondered how much he had to take over when his mother had been diagnosed. It couldn't have been easy since he must have been 22 himself. She remembered the conversation she had with his mom in the kitchen.
"Channie doesn't like doing things for himself," his mom had said. "He spends so much time worrying about me and his brother and sister that he has no worry left for him. I wish he would be a little selfish."
When the debate ended, the judge announced Lucas' team as the winner. The crowd applauded as the students bowed before leaving.
"That was really fun," Veronica said as they waited for Lucas to come meet them outside. "I am so glad you brought me here."
"I am glad you had a good time," he replied, looking at her.
He saw Lucas in the hallway looking for them and waved him over. Chan hugged his brother as he congratulated him. "You wiped the floor with the other team."
"I loved when you talked about how much these video games might affect adolescent aggression," Veronica said. "That really stumped them."
"You must be Veronica," Lucas replied, smiling and shaking her hand. "I am happy that you came." He looked so much like Chan, albeit his features were softer but the resemblance was there.
"We wouldn't have missed it. So, what are your plans now?" Chan asked.
Veronica jumped in, "We are going out for dinner, you are welcome to join."
Lucas shook his head. "Thank you but the team made a plan to celebrate together. Maybe next time?" He turned to his brother. "Could you tell Mom that I would be late?"
"Sure thing," Chan said and patted his back. "Just be careful and call me if you need a ride home."
Lucas bid them goodbye, joining his friends who were waiting for him at the end of the hallway. Veronica hadn't stepped inside a school in ages. But hearing the familiar buzz of students, and teachers trying to make themselves heard over the cacophony was nostalgic.
"Ready?" Chan asked, offering his arm.
Veronica took it. "Let's go."
The Thisbe Cookery was located on Pine Street and it was one of the biggest restaurants in South Molton. Veronica had made reservations at the beginning of the week so when they asked for a table, they were promptly led inside.
"This place is so fancy," Chan commented. "I have never been here."
Veronica replied, "Neither have I."
The girl leading them stopped before a table that had two candles and a vase of flowers placed on it. Chan took out her chair and she settled in before taking the seat in front of her.
"I feel out of place," Veronica whispered, leaning across the table. "Like they know I have no trust fund kicking in anytime soon."
The place was beautiful with heavy maroon draperies and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Even though she couldn't touch it, she knew the carpet under her heels would be soft. Classical music was playing through the speakers and for a while, the only sound around them was the noise of cutlery on plates.
"Can I get you something to drink?" One of the waiters appeared by their side.
"Is wine okay?" Veronica asked Chan. He nodded.
"Excellent," the waiter said. "Do you want any recommendations?"
"Recommendations are welcomed." Chan smiled.
The waiter proceeded to say wine names, followed by their origin and whatnot and Chan listened eagerly. He chose one and then asked her if it was okay if he ordered that.
"Of course," Veronica replied. She had zoned out a while ago unable to keep up with the waiter but it looked like Chan knew what the guy was talking about. The waiter bought out the wine and poured it for them.
"Cheers!" They said together and clinked their glasses.
It was really good, sour in the beginning but soon a sweetness blossomed on her tongue. She liked it. "Good choice!"
They both ordered the chef special which was some risotto that looked pretty fancy in the photos.
"I think this is the nicest place I have ever eaten dinner at," Chan said, looking around. "You didn't have to do this, Veronica. This is too much."
"Hush." She put her finger to her lips, telling him to shut up. "Oh, by the way, you still owe me two answers." She referred to the night he had dropped her back to her place after dinner with his parents.
He grinned. "Why yes I do. Ask me, Ms. Lovejoy."
Veronica bit her lip and intertwined her fingers. "How did it go that day with Diana?"
She could see that this was not the question he had expected. His smile fell a little which she found surprising given that he had wanted them to continue fake dating just so he could get her back. He should have had a bit more enthusiasm when she mentioned Diana's name.
"It went okay," he answered. "She fought with her mom and just needed to vent. But she proposed that we should be friends."
"Friends?" Veronica tried to keep her face neutral. "What did you say?"
He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. "I said yes. I mean, she is my oldest friend. I couldn't say no to that."
Veronica thought about what he said, playing with the butter knife. "But is that what you really want?"
Their food arrived and Veronica was surprised by how good it smelled. The plating looked so beautiful that she was almost afraid to ruin it with her spoon. But when she took a bite, she couldn't help the moan that escaped her mouth.
"I have never eaten something so delicious before," she stated, trying to savour the flavour.
Chan agreed as he sipped his wine and took another bite. "Never knew a risotto could arouse these feelings in me but I might profess love to this dish."
Veronica laughed. "So tell me, do you want to be friends with her?"
He didn't speak for a while, chewing his food. After a beat, he said, "I don't know what I want. Seeing her after so long, talking to her after so long. It's all making me confused. I love the familiarity but at the same time, I cannot ignore what happened, the way she so easily does. She called the break-up mutual. It was anything but that."
Veronica made a face. "You should talk to her. Tell her how you feel about the breakup. I think a conversation would do you both some good."
He looked at her from over the glass of wine. "Didn't you you were such a relationship expert."
"I am not." Veronica laughed. "If I told you about my last boyfriend, you'd never take any advice from me. But I just think communication is an important part of any relationship. Not just romantic."
Chan narrowed his eyes. "What happened with your last boyfriend?"
Veronica waved her hand in the air, about to say that it was not important. The last thing she needed was for him to either feel sorry about the choices she had made or get angry at how dumb she had been. But then she noticed someone walking into the restaurant and her mouth fell open. "Oh god, I cannot believe it."
"What?"
Veronica leaned in, trying to not get noticed by the guy taking a seat diagonally from her. "Don't turn around immediately," she whispered. "But I know the guy sitting in that maroon jacket."
Chan pretended to take a bite from his food and very sneakily glanced at where she was pointing. "How do you know him?"
"One of Selena's blind dates, Ryan," she explained. Once she was sure that he hadn't noticed her, she relaxed. "It was awful. My brain had blocked that memory but now it's all coming back to me."
"Why?"
She exhaled, struggling to form words to describe that night. "First, he forgets to pick me up as he had promised to and just drops a text to meet at the restaurant. Then he proceeds to drink five glasses of beer, all the while making perverted remarks about me. He tried to get me to sleep with him but I had called Minho to pick me up so I didn't get to dump my glass of water on his head."
Chan looks aghast. "That is horrible. Did you tell Selena?" He was holding his spoon a little too lightly.
Veronica shook her head. "It wasn't necessary. I knew I would never see him again. Well, I was wrong there. I am just glad he didn't see me. I don't think he was sober enough to remember my face anyway."
She got back to her risotto but Chan seemed on edge the rest of the evening. Once they were done and the waiter asked if they wanted any desserts, Chan asked if she wanted to go get some coffee. She could never turn down coffee.
When the waiter bought the bill, Chan and Veronica argued for ten minutes about who would pay. Veronica reiterated that since she was the one who invited him, she was the obligatory payee. Chan's only argument was to grunt in response.
After two minutes more of convincing, he let her put her card in the bill booklet. They were making their way outside the restaurant when Chan realised he had left his wallet at their table. Veronica was waiting for him near the bar when she heard someone say her name.
She turned around. It was Ryan. He was standing behind her, hands in his pocket. Veronica didn't know if she was more surprised by the fact that he had managed to see her or that he remembered her.
"Ryan," she replied, trying to make her voice sound normal. "Hi."
"What a surprise to see you?" he said, walking towards her and standing next to her. Just looking at his face was bringing back war flashbacks. Veronica tried not to wince at his face when he smiled at her. "You know I was so sad to see you leave so early on our date." He reached out and touched her hand. Veronica wanted to wash herself. "Maybe, we can do it again?"
Veronica was about to tell him that she would rather gouge her eyes out when she felt a hand snake around her waist. It was the familiar scent of his cologne and somehow the familiarity of him that she didn't panic.
"Hey, babe," Chan said, resting his chin on her shoulder.
She stopped breathing for a second. Her stomach dropped and she tried to calm her breathing but couldn't. Ryan's gaze jumped from Chan to her.
"Do you guys know each other?" Chan asked, gesturing to Ryan.
Veronica was still trying to get her heart rate back to normal. "No," Ryan replied, taking a step back. "I thought she was someone else."
He walked back to his table, shoulders hunched. Chan took his arm away from her waist and for a moment Veronica reeled from the loss of his body heat.
"Sorry," he said, looking sheepish. "I saw that he cornered you and just wanted him to go away."
Veronica knew she had to say something. She adjusted the collar of her coat and said, "No, thank you so much. I really thought he didn't see me. Or remembered me for that matter. Did you get your wallet?"
"Yeah," he patted the pocket of his jacket. "Let's go."