The bistro's airy atmosphere was perfect for a mid-afternoon al.
Sunlight stread through tall windows, casting golden light onto the polished wooden tables and soft linen napkins.
Emma and Claire arrived together, stepping into the restaurant's inviting ambiance. Emma's soft peach blouse tucked into a flowing skirt made her look effortlessly stylish, while Claire's navy midi dress exuded understated elegance.
Chris was already seated at a pri corner table by the window. The bright light highlighted his neatly trimd chestnut colored hair, and casual yet put-together outfit—a crisp white shirt and gray slacks.
The mont he spotted them, his face broke into a warm smile.
"Ladies," Chris said, standing up to greet them. "You both look amazing."
His eyes flicked between them before lingering slightly on Claire, though he quickly looked away.
Emma smiled back. "Thank you, Chris. It's Claire who insisted on this."
Chris stepped forward and pulled out Claire's chair first, then Emma's. "I'm glad she did. You brighten up this place."
As they settled in, Claire gave him a polite smile. "I hope you don't mind tagging along."
"Not at all," Chris said easily, his tone genuine. "When Emma ntioned you'd be joining, I was thrilled. Honestly, I liked your vibe yesterday and wanted so more of it today."
Claire raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "That's kind of you to say. But I think you should be focusing on your old college crush instead of soone like . I'm sure I'm far too...experienced for your taste."
Chris chuckled. "If 'experienced' ans confident and beautiful, I'd say that's exactly my taste," he said with a smile.
Claire blinked, montarily thrown. Her cheeks tinged pink, though she hid it behind a sip of water.
Before anyone of them could say anything, a waiter appeared with nus, handing them out with practiced precision. "Would you like sothing to drink while you decide?"
Chris gestured for Emma to go first.
Emma scanned the nu briefly. "I'll have sparkling water, please."
Claire glanced at Chris before deciding. "A glass of white wine for ."
Chris nodded. "Make it two glasses of white wine, please."
The waiter nodded, taking note of their preferences before retreating.
"So, Emma," Chris started, leaning slightly forward, "what have you been up to since college? I know you were always one of the most creative people I knew."
Emma smiled modestly. "A lot has happened. I'm a designer now. Drawing and designing clothes is sothing I've always wanted to do."
"Wow," Chris said, impressed. "You've turned your creativity into a career. That's inspiring. Do you work for yourself or a company?"
"I freelance mostly, but I'm considering collaborating with a few brand," Emma said thinking about Alex.
"That's amazing," Chris said earnestly. "I always knew you'd do sothing artistic. When you're ready, do tell so I can recomnd you to so of my friends," he said and Emma nodded.
"Sure."
Claire watched the exchange with interest but said nothing, sipping her water.
When the waiter returned with their drinks, he listed the lunch specials, his voice smooth and professional.
"The grilled chicken salad sounds great," Emma said after scanning the nu.
"I'll have the shrimp pasta," Claire added.
Chris nodded at the waiter. "I'll go for the steak sandwich with fries."
"Excellent choices," the waiter said, collecting the nus and disappearing to place their orders.
A comfortable silence settled between them as the water left, each of them having different thoughts.
"So, Claire," Chris said, turning his attention to her, "What do you do?"
"I run a business while managing the company with my brother," Claire said simply, swirling her wine.
"Ah, that explains your calm and composed aura," Chris said, grinning.
Claire tilted her head slightly. "Aura? That's quite a word for soone you've just t."
Chris shrugged, unbothered. "Well, I'm good at reading people."
"And what have you read so far?" Claire challenged lightly.
"That you're sharp, decisive, and don't waste ti on nonsense. But I also think you have a softer side you don't show easily."
Claire stared at him for a mont, her expression unreadable before giving him a nod of approval. "Not bad."
Emma, watching the exchange, hid her amusent behind her glass as she wondered why it seed Chris had interest in Claire.
Though she hadn't thought much about it when Chris told her he thought Claire was beautiful but hearing him talk to her now, she was beginning to give it a thought.
While they were making small talks, the waiter returned, carrying their plates and all conversations ceased.
Emma's chicken salad had mixed greens, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.
Claire's shrimp pasta was topped with a delicate garlic cream sauce, garnished with parsley. Chris's steak sandwich arrived with perfectly golden fries on the side.
"This looks delicious," Emma said, picking up her fork.
"Absolutely," Claire agreed, twirling her pasta.
Chris took a bite of his sandwich and gave an appreciative nod. "This is exactly what I needed. The food here is great."
As they ate, the conversation shifted.
"Do you still keep in touch with Jake? I see the wedding band on your finger. Is he the one?" Chris asked Emma, expecting her to smile shyly and say yes.
Emma stiffened slightly, and Claire's expression turned steely.
"No," Emma said shortly.
Claire interjected, her tone sharp. "Jake isn't worth staying in touch with. Let's just say he proved he didn't deserve Emma."
Chris frowned. "What? What happened?"
Claire didn't mince words. "He cheated and divorced her. End of story. I know he's my nephew but he's a jerk and a heartless fellow."
Chris looked at Emma, his expression softening. "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that."
"Thank you," Emma said quietly, her tone subdued.
Chris's gaze fell on the ring Emma wore. "Then why are you still wearing a wedding band?"
Emma hesitated, and Claire jumped in to explain. "It's not from Jake. It's from his uncle and my brother, Alex. She's contractually married to him."
Chris stared, clearly confused. "Wait—what? Your brother?"
Emma sighed. "It's a long story."
Claire, however, didn't let the mont pass. "Actually, we need your help," she said and Chris raised a curious brow.
"Help with what?" he asked looking from Emma to Claire.
"Claire we shouldn't...."
Before Emma could finish what she was saying, Claire intercepted. "We want you to pretend to be interested in Emma—just to push Alex into admitting his feelings."
Chris leaned back, looking between them. "That's...interesting. But I have a problem with that plan."
"You do? Why? I hope you're not still interested in because I love Alex. Well, even though he doesn't know he loves back yet," Emma rushed to explain.
Chris chuckled after he heard her. "That's not the problem I was talking about," Chris said and Claire raised a brow.
"What's the problem then?" Claire asked looking at him.
"I'm not interested in Emma," Chris said, his voice steady. "I'm interested in you."
The table fell silent. Claire stared at him, stunned. Emma looked between them, equally taken aback.
"What?" Claire asked before she could stop herself.
"I like you, Claire. I want to court you and make you mine," he said, looking directly into Claire's blue eyes.
"You have to be joking," Claire said finally, though her voice lacked conviction.
"I'm not," Chris said, his gaze unwavering.
Claire's mind raced. He's at least ten years younger than . What is he thinking? But there was no denying the sincerity in his eyes, and it scared her.
She didn't want any of this. Not after what happened to her all those years ago.
Emma watched the scene unfold, biting back a grin. This date just took an interesting turn.
"You're really serious about this?" Emma asked looking at Chris when she saw how pale Claire looked after Christopher's declaration.
"Why shouldn't I? I like you, Claire and I'm not even joking about it. I want you," Chris said again, his chocolate brown eyes never leaving Claire's blue eyes.
Everywhere fell silent, the thick tension hovering over them like a thick blanket as different thoughts ran through Claire's mind.
Claire's chair scraped loudly against the floor as she stood up abruptly, breaking the delicate tension at the table.
Her face was a mixture of disbelief, confusion, and sothing else Emma couldn't quite place. She grabbed her purse with quick, purposeful movents.
"Excuse ," Claire said curtly, not looking at Chris. Her voice was steady, but Emma, could sense the undercurrent of discomfort within her.
"Claire—wait," Emma began, concern etched on her face, but Claire cut her off with a sharp wave of her hand.
"I'll be in the car," Claire said without turning around as she headed straight for the door.
Her tone was final, and Emma didn't dare press further so she let her go.
Chris, though hadn't expected such a reaction didn't weaver. Now more than ever, he was determined to get her and find out whatever it was that made her react the way she did.
It couldn't just be the age difference.
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