Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 456

"How do you feel about my suggestion, Ms. Sutherland?" On the second floor of the restaurant, by the window, Johnnie's voice was gentle as he spoke, his right fingers absentmindedly tracing the silver bracelet and red cord on his left wrist.

"The suggestion is..."

Mila had just begun when her bag started buzzing. Across the table, Johnnie smiled and gestured for her to take the call, assuring her he didn't mind.

She fished out her phone.

A moment of silence.

Forrest? Why is he calling?

Thinking back to their recent conversation in the tea room, and then glancing at the current scene, Mila felt a touch awkward-though it was really just a hint. She waved at Johnnie, then stepped to a corner further from the table to answer.

"Forrest?"

"It's me." His voice, as always, was gentle and calm. "Have you had dinner yet? I found a great new place I'd love to take you to. I could pick you up later if you're free."

The familiarity of his words tugged at her heart. Years ago-seven or eight, back in college-that's exactly how it used to be: the two of them exploring the city, discovering hidden restaurants, sharing good food and new adventures.

Those were some of the happiest days of her life.

She almost said yes without thinking, then quickly caught herself, a note of apology in her tone. "Tonight's not great, I'm out having dinner with someone." There was a brief silence.

Then Forrest's voice again, even and steady. "Is it a work meeting? Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. We can pick another time."

"No, it's not that."

Maybe it was the memories, or maybe she just didn't see any reason to hide. Mila's reply was frank and open. "This is actually a blind date my great-aunt set up. The guy's the son of one of her old friends. I couldn't really say no. He just got back from overseas, so I picked him up from the airport and now we're grabbing dinner. So... tonight's out."

long moment, long enough that Mila called his name a couple times before he

"What?" Mila sounded confused.

"It's a relief."

"Huh?"

didn't elaborate. He just laughed. "Let's meet another time then. How about

ran through her schedule and sighed. "Tomorrow's tough. I've got a work thing. But

"Alright."

in the hallway outside the Federal

He

on his phone, her smile bright and warm. He found himself smiling too. So many years had passed; so many faces in his

gracious, with that

changed

on his screen from Giselle, still waiting

At the same time,

out, calling

"Coming."

texted Giselle back, then turned off his phone and stepped into the

...

Back in the restaurant.

Mila returned to the table, Johnnie didn't ask about the call. He simply

them would pretend to be seeing each other at least in front of their relatives. private, they'd stay out of each other's way. If one of them found

automatically.

that both their families lived abroad, keeping up

mind at ease for

to be clear," Mila added, "our cover story is only that we're getting to know each other and it's going okay. That way we

"Of course."