Farewell To My Endless Love novel Chapter 33

Scarlett's POV:

After work, I walked out of the TV station with Zora, the make-up artist who helped me out this morning when Susan, Rita's mother, came storming into the studio and started wreaking havoc. Before we could make it to the gates, Abner caught up with us and invited us to dinner.

As soon as we sat down at the restaurant, Zora turned to me.

"So, how did you deal with that hysterical woman who made trouble for you today?" I almost chuckled a reply. Zora was one of the most serious, professional people I knew at work. I found it startling and a little amusing to see her transform into a common gossiper.

"I told her that if she ever comes after me like that again, I will expose her family's atrocities," I replied with a smile.

"Atrocities? Oh, my. Tell me more." Zora's eyes glinted with excitement and anticipation.

I just beamed at her but did not answer.

Seeing that I did not intend to reveal more than I already had, Zora stopped asking, but she still flashed me some curious looks the entire meal.

While Abner, Zora, and I enjoyed our dinner, a familiar man strode into the restaurant with a group of men whose swagger screamed opulence. My eyes darted to one of them whose name was Walker. I would never forget him as he had casually asked me to be his mistress over drinks before.

Abner instantly recognized Charles. He glanced at the door and then said to me, "The reason for your bad luck today is coming over."

It took all of two heartbeats for Charles to reach our table, his entourage falling into step behind him.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I said by way of greeting.

"Dinner with some friends."

I swept my gaze over the men Charles referred to as his friends. They greeted me with a smile, but I could tell from their curious stares that they were guessing the kind of relationship I had with their dear friend.

"I see you've come here for dinner, too. I'll get the check. It's my treat tonight. Enjoy yourselves." Charles nodded to Abner and Zora.

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Moore." Abner did not move. Zora stood up, shook Charles's hand, and thanked him.

Although a little surprised by Zora's gesture, Charles returned the handshake and grinned. Then, he shot me a look as if he was waiting for my expression of gratitude.

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Moore. Thank you," I finally blurted out.

Charles answered my remark with a rare, gleeful chortle.

"You're annoyingly cute when you try to be formal with me, Miss Riley. I wish you'd just call me honey."

My heart leapt to my throat. Why the hell would he say that in front of people?

Was I not in enough trouble?

Charles flashed me his smug smile that he knew very well peeved me. I could only stare at him as he walked away with his friends to their table. He seemed to be in a good mood, and it made me a little nervous.

"What just happened, Scarlett? Did one of the richest, most eligible bachelors in the city just flirt with you in front of God and everybody? Are you guys dating?" Zora looked at Charles's receding figure with wide eyes and then bombarded me with questions in an excited, gasping voice.

"No. It's not what you think," I said perfunctorily.

"What is it then?"

"It's complicated."

Again, Zora stopped asking since she could not get any decent answer. I heaved a sigh of relief.

After dinner, Abner, Zora, and I left the restaurant together, but before we could walk out the door, Charles's assistant rushed over to us.

"Miss Riley, Mr. Moore wants you to stay and wait for him."

"Fine." I did not want to wait for Charles, but his assistant was just doing his job. I did not want to make things difficult for him.

Seeing that I agreed, he nodded and shuffled back to their table.

"Scarlett, do you really want to sit around here and wait for him? You could've refused." Abner immediately noticed my unwillingness.

"It's okay. I have something to discuss with him anyway." I shook my head.

"Are you really going to be okay?" Abner watched me carefully. If I told him the truth, he would not leave.

"Yes. Don't worry. Go home. I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"All right."

I said goodbye to Abner and Zora at the door. As soon as the two of them left, Charles and his friends rose from their seats and started heading out of the restaurant. I stood at the door and waited for them.

"Come." Charles snaked his arm around my waist and ushered me out of the restaurant. The doting look in his eyes got me all confused and a little anxious.

I did not resist. I just let him guide me out. The last thing I needed right now was the attention of the entire world around us. I did not want to embarrass him or myself.