Chapter 19

I spent the next twenty to thirty minutes eating my ice cream while listening to Chad talk about sports. I also could not help myself and glanced at Jade almost every five minutes. Our eyes met a few times too.

Chad’s phone suddenly made a sharp noise, signaling that a text had just come in. He pulled it out of his pocket and muttered, “Oh, sh*t. I gotta go.”

“Is something wrong?” Concern laced my voice. 

“Uh, I think so. My dad and mom are having a full-blown yelling match and my brother just texted me that I had to get home ASAP.” 

“Oh. Then you go. I would be fine.” I flashed him a genuine smile. “I would just order myself another bowl of ice cream. And when I’m done, I would get my driver to take me home.” 

“You sure?” He stood to his feet, fished out his wallet, and then took out a wad of cash. 

“Yes. I’m sure. I would be fine,” I assured him. “Thank you.” 

“Okay.” He placed on the table a wad of cash and then returned