Chapter 13

Red wine, please,” she says.

I ask the bartender to recommend a decent Merlot and order two glasses, and we take them to a table in the corner. Chantel takes off her coat, then slides onto the cushioned bench seat, while I take the chair opposite her.

The lights are low, and a candle flame dances in a jar on the table. It’s warmish in here, and Chantel pale skin bears a slight flush.

She puts her purse on the edge of the table. From the zip hangs a keyring with a few charms—a red heart, an open book, and a pink bird. I pick it up and turn it in my fingers with a smile.

Articles you her hand into her coat pocket, she brings out a tiny box and places it on the table. “Got you a birthday present.”

My eyebrows rise. “Seriously?”

“It’s only something small. It doesn’t mean we’re engaged or anything.”

I point at her. “That’s fromAliens.”

She laughs and pushes the box over to me. “I love that you know that. Go on, open it.”

I take the box. The lid closes like a flower, and I unfurl