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Arianna has already set the table when we come to the kitchen. We prepared an entire course of French dinner tonight since I assumed everyone wanted something else. I’ve always cooked Italian at the restaurant, and I’d always love to try something new.

Brandon quietly sits at the head of the table, and I settle on his right side, so I’ll be close to the prep area and if he wants me to get something else.

I ask Arianna to sit with me because I don’t wish to be more awkward, and having her here and Casey makes me feel less anxious.

We silently start putting food on our plates and then begin the feast. It also doesn’t help the tension with Arianna since she sits across from Cassius, so I opened up a subject.

“Guys, um, how’s the dinner?” I ask.

“Delicious as always.” Ollie smiles at me as he chews, then takes another bite. “And you’ve improved even more.”

“We made seventeen percent more of our monthly proceeds in the restaurant, Ollie,” I inform proudly. “And more patrons for us.”

“Wow.”