"Bro Isaac, how come you're snooping around my phone?"
Joie emerged from the restroom, certain that he had seen the photo. She quickened her pace, feigning anger, and snatched her phone back. "What did you see?"
Isaac glanced at her, "Where did this photo come from?"
Joie knew he was pissed. A glint of mischief flashed in her eyes, but she played innocent, "What photo? I took it while I was eating. I originally wanted to capture the snow scene, but then I saw this pretty girl."
Joie acted naive and said, "I really liked how this girl was dressed, so I snapped a photo. I want to buy the same clothes."
Isaac paused, "Taken at a restaurant?"
"Yeah, at a BBQ place nearby." Joie added, "The boy sitting opposite her looked pretty young. They seemed quite close; maybe they're dating?"
Dating?
Isaac’s breathing sped up slightly. He was silent for a moment, "Don't take photos randomly in the future; it could cause trouble."
Joie clenched her throat.
Her husband saw her with another man, and he was this calm?
Was this even real? Was this seriously happening?
Joie left, feeling unfulfilled.
After she left, Isaac opened the window. The chill wind rushed in as though all warmth had been chased away, leaving a bone-chilling cold.
...
In the end, Brittany picked up the tab for the meal.
After the conversation, she knew Noel was only twenty and living by himself. She didn't want to spend his money.
It was Noel's first time being treated to a meal by a woman. He was a bit embarrassed, "Brittany, I've already spent all the money you gave me before."
He scratched his head and took out some money from his bag, "Starting this month, I'll pay you back a bit each month."
He paused, expressing his gratitude sincerely, "Brittany, thank you."
Brittany didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the money.
Noel may seem carefree, but he's actually quite resilient. Otherwise, he wouldn't be affected by his family's goading.
Feeling a bit sorry for him, she scolded, "Why didn't you come inside? How long have you been waiting out here?"
"Just got here."
Brittany rubbed his hand, blew on it a few times, and felt it gradually warming up. Finally relaxed, she said, "Next time, don't wait outside. Just come in."
Isaac nodded before leading her to his car.
Brittany had only been outside for a few minutes and was already freezing. Thinking of Isaac waiting outside for so long, she felt a pang of sympathy.
After getting into the car, she opened the drawer and found a thermos.
She poured a cup of water and handed it to Isaac, "Drink some water first."
As Isaac took the cup, the warmth spread from his fingertips to his chest.
He took a sip, "You smell like BBQ. Did you have some?"
"Mm, remember the kid I helped find a job? He got his paycheck and treated me to dinner." Brittany poured herself a cup of water and took a sip, "I only had a little bit of BBQ."
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