Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!

"Claire?"

Claire turned, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Ivy approaching from behind. Ivy wore her usual friendly smile, a cloth napkin tucked into her hand as if she'd just been tending to one of her tables.

Ivy's face brightened. "It's such a pleasant surprise seeing you here. What brings you to my restaurant today?" She asked wondering why it seemed like Claire was about to turn back.

Before Claire could answer, a smooth voice cut in from behind.

"We're here for a business meeting," Christopher said, stepping up beside Claire with that irritating, ever-present smirk of his.

Claire shot him a warning look, her lips pressing into a thin line. But she held back from contradicting him. She wasn't about to make a scene in front of Ivy, not when the girl was just being polite.

Ivy looked at them and she could tell there was more but what could she do? Although Christopher and Emma had told her over the past week how Chris felt about Claire, she couldn't act like she knew.

"Oh," Ivy said, nodding as her gaze flicked between them. "Well, you're both welcome here. It's really an honor to have you, and—" her voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper, "lunch is on the house today."

Claire shook her head immediately, lips parting in protest. "No, Ivy. Absolutely not. You need every cent to keep this place running. I'll pay for our food, and that's final," Claire said knowing there was no way she'd leave if Ivy offered them free food.

Ivy's smile didn't waver. "It's okay, really. Besides, it's nice to see familiar faces here. Please, let me do this," Ivy pressed, subtly giving Chris a wink who in turn gave her a thumbs up.

Claire hesitated. She wasn't one to accept favors, but Ivy's sincerity left her with little room to argue without sounding rude.