Her cloying voice made me stiffen, the familiar scent filling the air. With a glance catching Jaxton's shiny shoes and trousers, I instinctively clenched my fists.
Jaxton sat amidst adoring gazes. Rebecca immediately sat by his side, adjusting her clothes to reveal more skin.
"Mr. Munoz, what would you like? Spicy or mild? Any allergies? Seasonings..."
"Ms. Dempsey is from Anderlin?"
Suddenly singled out, I fumbled with my fruit fork, a melon falling onto the table.
Jaxton's gaze met mine, calm but deep as the vast cosmos.
"I've read up, Ms. Dempsey and I are from the same place. Season it as per our hometown taste."
I sat there in silence.
The taste of Anderlin people leaned towards spiciness, yet Jaxton's palate preferred mild flavors, steering clear of anything too stimulating.
I had barely finished seasoning when Rebecca swiftly swiped the condiments from my hands, placing them with a smile on Jaxton's seat.
Seated, I gazed at the seafood feast before me, only belatedly realizing my allergic reaction to seafood. I couldn't touch a single bite of it.
As I prodded at the fruit in front of me, Rebecca's cloying voice kept intruding, making this meal even more unbearable.