Chapter 32: Nothing Personal

The drive to the restaurant was a tense affair. It took several minutes before Lavender finally snapped out of her daze, but I refrained from commenting on the foolishness of her initial reaction. I had no desire to engage in another tiresome argument — I'd had my fill of those for the day.

Lavender grumbled and muttered to herself throughout the remainder of the journey, likely cursing me under her breath. By the time we arrived, her temper had been thoroughly exhausted. She practically leapt out of the car before it had even come to a complete stop — a reckless move that made me pause. This was not the meek, cautious woman I had once known.

As we entered the restaurant, I couldn't help but notice the marked change in Lavender's demeanor. Gone was the nervous, clingy woman who would typically cling to my arm, pressing her bosom against me in a transparent attempt to overcome her inhibitions. No, the woman who strode through the door was self-assured, almost to the point of arrogance.