Esmeralda understood what was going on.

Her eyes dimmed, a faint bitterness welling up inside her.

Fleming glanced at Lucy. "How are you getting home?"

Lucy smiled. "The driver's waiting-I'll get a ride, don't worry about me."

At that, Elodie realized Fleming was probably planning to spend the evening with Esmeralda.

She turned to Esmeralda, who clenched her fists a little, trying to steady her nerves.

Elodie felt a twinge of concern. She reached out and ruffled Esmeralda's hair, murmuring, "Whatever you feel tonight, figure it out for yourself before you say anything. The two of you need to talk."

Whether it turned out well or not, only Esmeralda could truly sense it. Even if she, as an outsider, could see Fleming wasn't exactly enthusiastic, Esmeralda's feelings ran deep-no amount of advice could smooth them over.

Esmeralda only half understood.

Alexander stepped forward. Noticing the hope flickering on Esmeralda's face, his gaze softened. In the end, all he said was, "If you need anything, call me, all right?"

Esmeralda waved him off. "I know, you don't have to treat me like a kid."

Alexander left it at that, his eyes briefly sweeping over Fleming before he walked away.

Jarrod, unconcerned with anyone but Elodie, simply took her wrist and led her outside as the group dispersed.

Elodie glanced at his profile, wanting to ask him something-but held back.

leave, the

hadn't gotten into her car

at Esmeralda. "Hey, keeping

cold of you. Didn't

looked completely uninterested in

it off. "You know

shook his head in mock disbelief. "He's not reserved with you. Spoils

her gaze, smiling quietly, not

the side, Esmeralda suddenly felt strangely out of

to Lucy-how naturally

herself had never

her, not even

the woman he

at Esmeralda, who stood there, lost in thought. "Let's talk again soon. I'll leave you to it-have my brother take you

maybe because Fleming

herself choosing

could do was

and leaned in. "Text

out her tongue. "Alright,

between them was something

her

Heath got into their own

and Esmeralda

her. "Got any

had no idea how to spend this birthday with

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