Chapter 288
“Mr. Atwater p>
Before Elissa could say a word, Tanya Foster appeared out of nowhere, her heels clicking against the floor as she strode over. “You know, Elissa here has given you more than enough chances p>
“If you really want to have a shot at talking to her in the future, maybe you should let her come celebrate her birthday with us first p>
“After all, for the past three years, Cliff and I have been the ones by her side on her birthday–not you p>
The message was clear: Who do you think you are? Just because you’ve finally seen the light, doesn’t mean Elissa is going to listen to you now.
If you keep trying to force your way in, you’ll end up as nothing more than
a stranger.
Frank seemed shaken, his tightly clenched fists easing minutely as his gaze swept over the three of them. “You’re all celebrating with her p>
“Of course.” Tanya slipped an arm around Elissa’s shoulders and flashed a knowing smile. “Elissa knows how to draw boundaries. Cliff is just an old friend from college–why would she spend her birthday with him
alone p>
Unlike you, she thought, who used to sneak off at every opportunity with your sister–in–law, celebrating every holiday together. Even your own anniversary–you would’ve spent it with her if you could.
Frank wasn’t stupid; he caught the undertone in Tanya’s words. But as Elissa’s closest friend, Tanya was simply pointing out all the foolish things he’d done in the past.
He could only look at Elissa, exhaling a shaky breath. “Then… I’ll head home and wait for you p>
Maybe he was afraid of hearing another rejection, or maybe he was just used to making decisions for her. Whatever the case, he didn’t wait for
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Elissa to respond–he simply turned on his heel and walked away.
Tanya ruffled Elissa’s hair. “Come on, don’t let someone unimportant ruin your birthday p>
Elissa managed a small smile. “Weren’t we supposed to meet at the restaurant? What are you doing here p>
“Picking up the birthday girl after work–what better way to show my sincerity p>
Tanya tugged her toward the car. “Just leave your car here. I’ll drop you at the clinic tomorrow morning on my way to work p>
With that, the three of them piled into the car.
At the restaurant, a server led them to a private booth. It wasn’t one of those stuffy, fully enclosed rooms, just a cozy spot sectioned off with elegant screens–private enough to feel comfortable, but not overly formal.
Cliff had taken care of the reservation, but left the ordering to Elissa and
Tanya.
Elissa was hopeless at choosing dishes; she wanted to try everything, so Tanya inevitably took charge of the menu.
While Tanya was busy studying the options, Elissa chatted with Cliff about the latest in pharmaceutical research.
None of the three noticed the table just beyond the screens, where a trio of men sat casting glances in their direction. One of them, Evan, was hunched over his plate, frowning as he ate.
“Grandpa, Mr. Rex, what’s with this place? The portions are so tiny, they wouldn’t fill a mouse. Why do you guys always want to eat here?” he grumbled through a mouthful.
lan reached over and patted his head. “Eat up, kid. That’s all you need to worry about p>
How could someone manage to get so much water in his brain? And with
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a head that size, there’s room for plenty.
Impressive, really.
Rex shot Rowan a sideways look. “If you’ve got the time to hang around here, why didn’t you invite Elissa to celebrate her birthday with you p>
Rowan didn’t even glance his way, his tone icy. “I’m not the most important person in her life anymore p>
Going over would only make things worse.
“Then who is?” Rex asked, curiosity piqued. He glanced over at Elissa and the gentle, well–dressed Cliff beside her. “Cliff p>
Rowan bristled, his words barbed. “No, it’s the ex you’d give anything to win back p>
Rex wasn’t fazed in the slightest. He shot back without missing a beat, “Well, if that’s the case, you’re no match for Tanya Foster. She’s been by Elissa’s side longer than you ever were p>
He smirked. “And what, you think you could win Elissa over p>