Chapter 343

Madison

She led me to a cozy corner table partially secluded by a decorative wine rack. It was perfect for conversation without shouting over the dinner crowd.

I settled in, declining a glass of wine until Jackson arrived. While waiting, I checked my phone, a habit I couldn’t seem to break. No messages from Alexander. Not that I expected any. Our workday had ended without incident, just the usual professional exchanges about the Riverside property we’d be visiting tomorrow.

I set my phone face-down on the table, forcing myself to break the habit of checking for messages from Alexander. The waitress approached and offered me another glass of water.

“Still waiting?” she asked sympathetically.

“Yes, he should be here any minute,” I replied, checking my watch. Jackson was now twelve minutes late. Maybe this dinner had been a mistake after all.

I drummed my fingers against the table, contemplating whether to call him or just order an appetizer.