Chapter 3

3.

Landon's hand froze on the car door. He looked at me with an unreadable expression.

I glanced at him and then turned to Quinton. "Close the door, Landon. The kitchen closes at eleven."

A bright, triumphant smile spread across Landon's face.

Quinton stared at me, his eyes wide. "I'm not kidding about the divorce..."

I cut him off, bored. "I'm not as pathetic as you. I don't use divorce as a threat."

The car door slammed shut.

Landon hopped into the driver's seat and peeled out, leaving Quinton in a cloud of exhaust.

We arrived at a wings and beer spot I used to love.

As soon as we walked in, the staff greeted us warmly. "Welcome back, Boss!"

I looked at Landon, confused. "Since when do you own this place?"

He avoided my gaze, looking embarrassed.

"The old owner was going under. I bought it and kept everything exactly the same because I thought you..."

He trailed off, but I knew what he was going to say.

Since we were kids, if I liked something, he found a way to get it for me.

I looked around the restaurant and smiled.

"Since you're the boss, does that mean I eat for free?"

"You haven't been here in years," he said quietly while looking at the menu. "I thought you moved on to something else."

I went quiet. A bitter smile touched my lips. "How could I?"

The truth was, Quinton hated this place.

Once, I brought him here after work, all excited.

He sat there the whole time with a scowl, barely eating a thing.

When we got home, he threw his clothes at me and complained about the smell.

"Why would anyone eat that garbage? Now I smell like a fryer!"

I never went back after that night.

"Check the menu. Is there anything else you want?" Landon handed me his phone.

The order was already filled with all my favorites. I didn't add a thing.

As I went to lock the screen, I saw his wallpaper. It was a photo of us from our high school graduation.

I couldn't hide my shock.

Landon's body stiffened, but he didn't explain.

The air between us grew thick and heavy.

Luckily, my phone started buzzing, breaking the tension.

The screen flashed with the word "Husband." I silenced it and put it face down.

Landon cocked an eyebrow. "What did he do to finally wake you up? I thought you were a lost cause."

I laughed bitterly and told him everything about Quinton and Lilah.

Landon's knuckles turned white. "I should have punched him harder."

He looked at me with pure frustration. "You're so tough with everyone else. Why did you let him treat you like a doormat?"

I saw another lecture coming, so I held up my hands.

"Okay, okay! I get it! I was wrong!"

Landon sighed and put a perfectly seasoned wing on my plate.

"Just eat," he said softly.

After dinner, he drove me home.

Before I got out, he kept reminding me to call him if anything happened.