Heartbreak Brings Mr. Right

Lindsey offered a friendly smile.

“Want to give it a try?” The middle-aged owner handed her a skewer of meat, encouraging her to have a taste.

Lindsey accepted the skewer, noting that it didn’t seem spicy.

She took a cautious bite.

It had cooled down and was rather salty, as though it had been overly seasoned and was slightly undercooked.

When she noticed the eager look in the owner’s eyes, Lindsey managed to muster a compliment.

She wondered if people actually frequented this place.

“How’s the business going here?” Lindsey asked with genuine interest.

“It’s usually booming.

Often, patrons need to book a spot well ahead of time,” the owner replied with a hint of pride.

Looking around, puzzled, Lindsey took another bite of the meat and couldn’t resist asking, “Why’s it so empty today, then?”

With a knowing smile, the owner answered in a distinct accent that Lindsey struggled to understand, “Today, the entire place was booked by someone! Didn’t you notice the gentleman who was just here? He seems to really care about you, going to great lengths to book the entire place just for you!”

Lindsey was taken aback.

She had assumed Sumner’s plans for the evening were put together at the last moment, but now it appeared everything was carefully planned.

“The gentleman prepared these skewers for you.

He spent the morning learning how to grill food from me, wanting you to try his handiwork.

What do you think? I taught him myself.

Pretty good, right?” the owner said with a smile.

Lindsey found herself at a loss for words.

Her lips barely curved as she sipped her water, managing a smile that seemed too forced to be genuine.

“Indeed… it’s good.

”

After a moment, Sumner leaned back.

Seeing a smudge of black charcoal on his finger, Lindsey passed him a tissue.

“Thanks a lot, Sumner,” she said.

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Sumner cleaned his finger with the tissue, grabbed a skewer, and began eating.

He didn’t look at Lindsey directly, but she could feel his intense gaze.

“I’ve always said I got into the entertainment world to support and protect you.

You don’t owe me anything.

I just do everything I want to do for you,” Sumner declared.

Feeling overwhelmed by Sumner’s declaration, Lindsey just lowered her head and ate in silence.

The air around them grew quiet.

When she finally looked up, she found Sumner’s eyes warm with care as he reached to wipe something from her face.

Instinctively, she turned away.

Sumner’s hand froze in mid-air, his face reflecting a deep sense of loneliness.

“I wish you’d find someone who makes you happy, someone worthy of your effort.

I’m not that person,” Lindsey whispered.

“It’s mealtime.

Let’s not get into that now.

Let’s just eat in peace,”

Sumner cut in.

Lindsey paused, realizing her words weren’t getting through to Sumner.

They finished their food in silence.

Then, Sumner glanced at his watch and announced, “It’s time.

”

“Time for what?” Lindsey asked, puzzled.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“I’m taking you somewhere,” Sumner replied, standing and taking her hand.