Chapter 29

Chapter 29:

Huey hesitated, the invitation to switch seats hanging in the air. “No need,” he said, brushing off the offer.

There were discussions to be had, gaming strategies to dissect with his friends along the journey.

His friends caught the brief uncertainty in his voice. “Bryan, who’s this?”

Huey felt a pang of concern over his image. Would introducing Eileen as his girlfriend now complicate things, given her proximity to Bryan?

Before Huey could decide how to reply to the question, Eileen said, “I’m his friend.” She acknowledged Huey’s companions with a tilt of her head.

As Huey’s eyes inadvertently met Bryan’s, the faint amusement on Bryan’s face sent a ripple of discomfort through Huey.

Clearing his throat, Huey corrected himself with slight emphasis, “She’s my girlfriend!”

His friends turned in unison towards Eileen, greeting her with a collective, “Hi!”

Eileen’s response was muted as Bryan’s gaze fixed on her. Her casual attire contrasted with her serene, almost youthful features, painting a starkly different picture from the high-powered assistant she was at work.

Bryan’s expression shifted to a knowing smirk. “Eileen, they’re talking to you,” he said.

Caught in the moment, Eileen offered a nervous chuckle. “Well, it looks like we’re all set to go. Let’s just sit down.”

The questioning glances and nudges from Huey’s friends continued, asking Huey when he had found such a beautiful girlfriend.

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Amidst the soft curiosity, Eileen’s cheeks warmed under Bryan’s steady, piercing look. Somehow, she felt an intentional weight behind it.

Huey managed a brief dismissal of his inquisitive friends, darting between Eileen and Bryan, reading the room’s undercurrents.

The bus hummed to life, the drawn sunshades muting the daylight and enveloping the interior in a subdued glow. Bryan’s figure shielded Eileen from Huey’s view, casting her in his shadow.

Retreating to his digital world, Huey scanned his messages with Ax, feeling the one-sided weight of their recent exchanges. The silent stretches between their chats had been punctuated only by a brief reply from Ax regarding the upcoming competition.

With a surge of hope, Huey had invited Ax to the competition in Lakédale, but Ax had only asked about the specifics of their trip without confirming whether he would come. Huey couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect.

punctuated by brief stops, culminated in their arrival at the idyllic Lakédale under the cloak of evening calm. Feeling the stiffness of the long ride, Eileen stood up from her seat to find Bryan already

voice reached her, “Eileen, I have a competition

directly to the exit. “I might,” she answered hastily, her mind

replied, a protective note threading through his next words, “remember, if trouble finds you,

a silent question

up to Bryan, Eileen noticed he had summoned a cab and was loading their bags. His comment to her was casual, almost

his unpredictable behavior. She got into the cab with him, and they headed straight to the

moments later. The small town’s charm had apparently funneled them to the same

an assumption. “Would the presidential suite suit you

Eileen could formulate a response, Huey, ever protective, interjected, “They’ll need

“They’re not a couple!”

taken aback by Huey’s forwardness. No clarification came from Bryan or Eileen.

offered an apologetic smile. “My apologies. Let me see

looked up. “Other than the presidential suite, there are only the two rooms reserved

at a loss for words. He had secured the rooms ahead of time, not anticipating this turn of events. But he didn’t

Mr. Baker. It’s not like Eileen and I haven’t shared a suite before for work

palpable. Eileen’s face creased with worry as she sensed the judgmental eyes of Huey’s friends on her. How would this scene be

urged Eileen to speed up the check-in

“Do you mind?”

hesitant hand, Eileen reached into her bag to retrieve his wallet but was abruptly stopped

was sharp, his grip

his tone. “You want to settle our bill?” He dismissed the offer with a casual wave

it to the receptionist, finalizing the transaction himself. The receptionist’s

with the room key and luggage in tow, signaling for

reassuring smile. “Let’s catch up another time; it’s been a long day,” she said

Huey was a mix of acknowledgment and challenge. Huey’s response was not so subtle—a frustrated kick

voice broke through his brooding. “Boss, is she really

for now,” Huey said, his tone

group moved ahead with the check-in process,

friend, sensing the tension, ventured a word of caution. “Boss, if she’s not your girlfriend, it might be wise for you to step back.

locked eyes with his friend, his pride stung. “Am

choosing his words carefully. “You

comparison left Huey motionless, caught in a

arranged her belongings. As

this?” Bryan asked, nodding at his suitcase. “What’s the plan for dinner? Are we going out or ordering

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