When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 73

Selina was in high spirits. After chatting with the waiter, she snapped a photo and sent it off to Sheila. She didn’t notice Nelly’s mocking glare from behind her.

“You’re here pretty early.” Nelly’s voice came out of nowhere, making Selina jump.

She stood up fast, plastering on a bright smile. “Hey, Nelly.”

Nelly just nodded and sat down across from her. Selina studied her, sensing something was different.

“I brought you a little something from my trip. What’s been going on? I couldn’t reach you, and when I went by your place, you weren’t there. Is everything okay?”

Selina tried to sound warm and bubbly, but Nelly only accepted the gift with a small smile and said nothing. The silence stretched between them, awkward and heavy. Selina sat down again, about to break the ice, but Nelly had already waved the waiter over.

“Order whatever you want. I’ll just get my usual.”

“Alright.”

Selina felt the awkwardness settle in, so she grabbed her glass and took a sip. In the past, Nelly always took care of everything, so thoughtful and attentive. Was she just in a bad mood today? She had every reason to be. Getting booted by Brody had to sting.

Selina eyed Nelly up and down. To her surprise, Nelly looked way better than she’d expected. Her skin was glowing, and her makeup was soft and natural. Her outfit was simple but chic, the cut and quality were obvious even if Selina didn’t know the brand. Nelly looked sweet and put-together. Selina wondered where she’d learned to dress like that.

Once they finished ordering, Nelly handed the menu over. “I saw you ordered two bottles of fruit wine earlier. Is it any good here?”

“Oh, uh, yeah, it’s great.” Selina was caught off guard. She didn’t think Nelly would notice. Usually, she just paid the bill without even glancing at it. Selina figured ordering two bottles would fly under the radar.

She tried to play it cool. “I was just about to recommend it. Let’s each have a bottle, have a proper drink today.”

“I can’t drink that much. Let’s open one now, and I’ll take the other home. I was thinking of giving it to a friend.”

Nelly smiled, suddenly much warmer. Selina let out a breath. At least Nelly was paying. Once she topped off her card, Selina could always come back and get another for Sheila.

Feeling more relaxed, Selina ordered a bunch of the restaurant’s fancy new dishes. Soon the table was covered in beautifully plated food. Nelly only ordered pasta, a salad, and a bowl of soup.

Selina pulled out her phone and took photos from every angle before finally digging in. She cut up some steak and foie gras and put it on Nelly’s plate. “Don’t just eat salad. You need some real food.”

“Aren’t you a little foodie?” Nelly said with a smile, but after a few bites, she let out a sigh.

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