They walked up to the table, both calm like this was just another casual meeting. I pushed my chair back and got up, extending my hand first to Carrie, then to Jack. Carrie's grip was firm and brief, her expression unreadable as always. Jack's handshake lingered a second longer than it should have, his fingers light but deliberate, like he was testing something.
He pulled out the chair for Carrie with a small, almost theatrical gesture. She sat down without a word, and he took his seat right after. I lowered myself back into mine, keeping my eyes on him.
A waiter started approaching, probably to take orders, but I raised a hand slightly without even looking at him. He understood the gesture immediately, gave a small nod, and walked away.
"I'll keep it simple," I said, voice steady. "Delete the videos, Jack."
He tilted his head slightly, lips curling into a faint smile. "Straight to business. I like that about him, Carrie."
