Turning the Tide novel Chapter 5

Just then, a man walked over, surprise etching his face. "David? What are you doing here?"

What a small world. I ran into my superior, Ted Taylor.

Ted, a brash man, scanned me from head to toe with a look that screamed disdain as if I didn't belong in a restaurant like this.

Alongside him stood my colleague, Lyra Dean.

Lyra's eyes flitted between me and my date, and I could sense her realization dawning.

Covering her mouth, Lyra sneered, "No way! You're on a blind date? But can you really afford to eat here? Don't embarrass yourself by saying you forgot your wallet when the bill comes. You should've just chosen one of those food stalls instead."

I didn't even bother looking up as I replied flatly, "Mind your own business."

It was no secret that Lyra was Ted's mistress. Rumor had it that she was once stripped naked and thrown into the street by Ted's wife.

"Yes."

"Are what you've said that true?"

When I nodded, her smile vanished, replaced by a look of disappointment. "Then why are you pretending? What a waste of my time. Please, bring me the check!"