Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 135

"Yes, yes, of course. Just one last time," Lanny agreed eagerly.

Sheila pulled out her phone, dialed the number in front of them, and put it on speaker.

As expected, it rang seven or eight times with no answer.

The hope completely drained from Lanny's face, replaced by crushing disappointment.

"Well, it looks like he's just—" Clarence started.

Before he could finish, the ringing abruptly stopped.

Edmond's deep, smooth voice echoed through the room.

"Sorry. Traffic. I'll be right there."

The three people in the private dining room froze.

Sheila was genuinely floored, staring at her phone in absolute shock.

Lanny and Clarence were practically vibrating with pure, unadulterated joy.

The call ended, and Lanny let out a breathless laugh. "Now that is a man of his word. What a guy."

Snapping out of her daze, Sheila had no idea what game Edmond was playing now.

"How is this being a man of his word?" she muttered. "Our reservation was for six-thirty."

He was over half an hour late.

"Thank god he's coming at all!" Lanny beamed. "Who cares if he's a little late?"

A few minutes later, heavy footsteps approached the room.

Lanny and Clarence shot up from their chairs instantly, rushing to the door to greet their guest.

Sheila dragged her feet, reluctantly standing up and trailing behind them.

She had made herself crystal clear last night.

If Edmond wanted to show up, that was on him.

She'd introduce them, and then she was completely washing her hands of the situation.

As soon as dinner was over and she walked out that door, this wasn't her problem anymore.

"Mr. Halley!"

"Mr. Halley, welcome!"

Edmond stepped into the room. He was dressed in a razor-sharp, custom-tailored suit. His striking features and commanding aura dominated the space instantly.

But Edmond didn't sit. He glanced at Clarence. "You're the elder here. You take the seat."

Clarence was terrified by the prospect.

But Edmond merely placed a firm hand on his arm, and before Clarence could process what was happening, he found himself seated at the head of the table.

Lanny stood to the side, utterly dumbfounded.

*What the hell?* he thought. *We're basically the same age! Does Clarence look that much older than me? Am I not worthy of the good seat?*

Of course, Lanny kept his bitter internal monologue completely to himself.

He forced a bright, accommodating smile. "Please, sit! Have a seat, Mr. Halley."

The three men settled in. Clarence sat at the head, with Edmond and Lanny flanking him on either side.

Sheila was left standing, suddenly realizing she had nowhere to sit.

Normally, Edmond would take the head seat, and she would slide in next to Clarence.

But now both spots next to Clarence were taken.

Where was she supposed to go?

Edmond looked up at her, raising a dark brow. "What, are you leaving?"