No Second Chances Ex-husband novel Chapter 54

LAUREN'S POV

And just like always, the meal tasted amazing. Tessa had this uncanny way of making food that somehow felt like more than just food, it was like she seasoned it with comfort itself. Even in the worst moments of my life, she knew how to put something in front of me that lifted my spirits.

“How was it?” she asked, her eyes bright with that familiar curiosity, leaning forward as though the answer would decide her whole morning.

I gave her a slow, amused look, the kind that clearly said, Do you seriously have to ask me that? Then I finally let the words out.

“The meal was nice,” I said, placing my fork down carefully and dabbing at my lips with a napkin. “You even added carrots to my eggs. I think I enjoyed that the most—it gave the eggs this sweet little crunch.”

But I tilted my head at her, because I knew her far too well. “That being said… ever since you walked in here with this perfect little breakfast tray, I’ve had the distinct feeling you were buttering me up for something. So…” I leaned back slightly, crossing my arms, “…what is it?”

She gasped, putting a hand over her chest in mock offense. “Come on! How could you say something like that? I made this specially for you because you’re my friend.”

“Exactly my point,” I replied, one brow arched. “We’ve been friends for years, Tessa, and this is not the first time you’ve tried this trick on me. You only stopped because I got married and moved out. Now I’m back here and suddenly breakfast in bed is back on the menu. So, I’ll ask you again — what is it?”

She pressed her lips together, clearly fighting to keep her expression neutral. For a moment I thought she might keep denying it, but then her shoulders dropped in defeat and she let out a long sigh.

“You’re right. There’s something.” She gave a sheepish little smile and reached up to rub the back of her neck, a nervous habit she’d never grown out of.

“I knew it,” I said, leaning forward now, curious. “It’s not money, because you know I’m broke, and that’s usually what you asked me for before I fell from grace to grass. So… for the third time, Tess, what is it?”

She hesitated, looking at me like she was measuring my mood, then said carefully, “Well… I didn’t want to tell you immediately because I didn’t want you to think of it as me being selfish. I want you to understand this is just… a bad coincidence, okay?”

I narrowed my eyes but nodded for her to go on. “Alright. I’m listening.”

“Okay, so… about two weeks ago, right around when you first moved in here with Elena.”

At the mention of her name, my chest tightened instinctively. The sound of it coming from someone else always felt heavier now, like my mind couldn’t help replaying her smile, her voice, her laugh. For a brief moment, I almost told her to skip that part, but I stayed quiet.

Tessa took a breath and continued, “I got a VIP invite from the owner of Outer Heaven Club himself.”

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