Sebastian stepped out of the house and closed the door behind him with a quiet click.
The cool air hit his face. For some reason, his mind went back to Evelyn. He didn't think things were as simple as he assumed.
He pulled out his phone to check the time, only to see it ringing insistently. The caller ID revealed his mother's name, and he knew that this wasn't going to be a casual conversation.
He hesitated for a moment, then answered, a hint of resignation in his voice.
"Yes?"
"Sebastian," his mother's voice was brisk, almost impatient. "We need you to come home immediately."
He raised a brow, already sensing that something out of the ordinary had happened.
"What is it?"
"Nothing serious, but we have someone we want you to meet," his father interjected, his tone firm. "We've arranged everything. Come over as soon as you can."
Sebastian exhaled slowly. They never let go of any opportunity to play matchmaker despite the fact that he had said countless times he wasn't ready for marriage yet.
He had been hoping for a quiet afternoon but it seemed the universe had other plans. He didn't feel like arguing with them today and with a low hum of reluctant agreement, he said,
"Fine. I'll be there shortly."
The drive back to his parents' home was uneventful. He wasn't particularly thrilled about being introduced to someone new, especially not under parental insistence,as they would expect it to lead to other things but he knew resistance would only bring about a lecture.
When he arrived, he was ushered into the living room, where a young woman was seated, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
"This is Tessa Cross," Sebastian's mother said, introducing the woman with a firm smile. "She's from a good family, well-educated, and we thought it would be nice for you two to get to know each other."
Sebastian gave a brief nod. "Hello." His tone was courteous but neutral, intentionally leaving no emotional opening for conversation.
Tessa's eyes lifted to meet his, shyly as she returned the nod.
"Hello. We… we can go out, if that's alright."
Sebastian's lips curved into the smallest of smirks. His parents were still looking at them eagerly and there was no way to refuse now.
"Sure. I know a good place."
His mother clasped her hands together as a blinding smile formed on her lips.
"It's settled then. You two have fun"
Tessa smiled softly until they walked out before her smile dropped. Sebastian wasn't paying attention and led her to his car.
She got in silently and looked out of the window, having no intention to talk to him.
He raised his eyebrows slightly. This wasn't at all like the shy person while they were inside.
He found himself glancing at her often. He wasn't one to make unnecessary small talk, but something about her reluctance sparked his curiosity.
The ride to Imperial Kitchen was silent at first. Sebastian maintained his usual composed posture, his hands resting lightly on the steering wheel, eyes on the road.
He cleared his throat.
"Do you often avoid situations you don't want to be in?"
Her head tilted slightly, boredom flickering in her eyes.
"Is that your way of making small talk?"
Sebastian shrugged.
"Call it observation."
Tessa hummed and the conversation went dead again.
By the time they arrived at Imperial Kitchen, there was an unmistakably awkward air around them.
Sebastian, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her with an impeccable bow. She paused subtly before walking out, muttering a small,
"Thank you."
Sebastian smiled, showing off his charm.
"You're welcome."
Tessa was unappreciative and walked in with measured steps, choosing a table slightly away from the crowd.
He followed, sliding into the chair across from her, maintaining a polite distance.
A waiter approached, and Sebastian ordered a few light dishes. Tessa did not protest; instead, she glanced down at the menu as though this entire outing were a formality she was determined to survive with dignity intact.
"I assume you don't come here often," Sebastian remarked casually, observing how she handled the situation.
"Not really," she admitted and stopped there .
Sebastian was not stupid and had now deduced that her former shyness was all an act for his parents.
"I take it you don't want to be here?"
She smiled faintly.
"Anywhere else but here Mr. Crane."
Sebastian placed as hand on his chest, feigning hurt.
"You could at least pretend a little."
She deadpanned.
"Oh"
Sebastian laughed, feeling himself even more intrigued by her.
"So what would you be doing if you didn't need to be here?"
"Not going through a question and answer session with a man for one thing."
"Touché"
She shrugged slightly and focused on the dishes in front of her that had just been placed by the waiter.
The table beside them were having a not too quiet conversation.
"I heard that to get a reservation here, sometimes people have to wait for weeks and even months."
The potbellied man answered.
"It's true. And there is a daily quota. They don't accept more than one hundred and fifty guests in a day. And most of them come here in the evening."
"They've probably not had up to fifty guests today."
Tessa stopped paying attention to them and found that the man opposite her was staring blankly.
She frowned.
"Is there something on my face?"
Sebastian chuckled.
"Nothing. It's just that you're very beautiful."
"I know. Thank you."
Sebastian laughed again.
"You are very reluctant to be here. Seems like we have more in common than I thought."
For the first time that day, she finally paid attention to him.
"You don't want to be here?"
Sebastian shook his head wryly.
"My parents all but forced me to come back. I was really dreading the thought of having to go on another blind date but seeing that you weren't interested in me at all, I became much more comfortable."
Tessa nodded once, seemingly not taking it to heart bit Sebastian noticed she had become a lot less guarded.
All through the meal, they made small talk—most of which came from him while she listed.
By the time the check arrived, they had fallen into a comfortable rhythm.
As they exited the restaurant, the late afternoon sun bathed the city in warm light.
Sebastian offered to drive her home and she didn't refuse. When he stopped in front of the apartment complex, he watched her walk in without looking back once.
Only after her figure disappeared did he realize he hadn't even gotten her contact information. He perked up when he realized he could just ask his mother later.
It would cause him to be questioned to no end, but he thought it was worth it. With a small smile on his lips, he turned on the ignition and veered off.