Zoe is already at the restaurant when Charles and I arrive. She spots us right away and waves us over to the table she'd snagged in the corner.
"There they are, the lovebirds!" she calls out teasingly. I blush but Charles just chuckles good-naturedly.
"Zoe, it's wonderful to finally meet you," he says, extending his hand. "Cassie has told me so much about you."
"Likewise," Zoe replies, looking slightly awed as she shakes his hand. "Though I have to admit, Cass didn't really prepare me for..." She gestures vaguely at all of him.
Charles raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment. We settle in and order drinks - a glass of red wine for Charles, a cocktail for Zoe, and I stick with a seltzer water for now.
"So," Zoe starts once the waiter leaves. "I feel like I should get the whole story h
