Riley’s POV
“What’s wrong?” Mirabel asked, her eyes moving between me and Gerald. “Why are you both acting like this?”
My hands were shaking. I gripped the edge of the table so hard my knuckles turned white. Beside me, Gerald had gone completely still, like he’d been frozen in place.
I forced myself to breathe. To think. To act normal.
“Nothing’s wrong,” I said, but my voice came out too high. “We’re just… surprised. That’s all.”
“Surprised?” Mirabel looked confused. “Why? You know Marcus. He works at the spa.”
“Yes.” I tried to smile, but my face felt stiff. “Yes, I know him. I just… I didn’t realize you two were dating.”
Gerald cleared his throat. “When are you planning to have him over?” His voice was carefully calm.
“Next Friday,” Mirabel said, still watching us with worried ey
