Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

"Already thinking about dinner when you haven't even finished lunch?" Jackson chuckled, but nodded in agreement.

"I'll take you out for some barbecue tonight."

After their meal, Jackson held Fiona's hand as they strolled outside, planning to browse the nearby shops for a bit. Just then, Nash appeared in front of them, looking puzzled.

"What are you two doing all the way out here?" he asked, frowning.

Jackson and Fiona were clearly leaving the restaurant, holding hands, having just finished their lunch.

"What about you? Why are you out here for a meal?" Fiona asked, sticking close to Jackson. She let go of his hand, unwrapped a piece of candy, and held it up to Jackson's lips before unwrapping another for herself. With a radiant smile, she said, "This candy is so sweet!"

"Yeah, it really is," Jackson nodded.

"Did you two really come all this way just to eat? I haven't eaten yet. How about you join me for another round? I'm starving," Nash said.

Jackson kept his face mostly neutral as he glanced at Nash, then continued walking with Fiona, bypassing him entirely.

"Jackson, wait up, don't walk so fast," Nash called out, jogging to keep up, sticking to them like glue.

Jackson was frustrated. It was rare to have some alone time with Fiona, and Nash was ruining it. He had half a mind to drag Nash home and give him a talking-to for not reading the room.

But he quickly dismissed that thought. Fiona was so young; he must've been crazy to even consider it.noveldrama

Fiona let Jackson lead her away, a small smile playing on her lips. She glanced at him and thought he looked really handsome from this angle.

When they reached the entrance, Nash finally caught up with them.

"I haven't eaten yet," Nash said, catching a whiff of the aromas from the restaurant and swallowing bard. "Want to join me for another bite?"

"Can't you eat by yourself?" Jackson finally spoke up.

Nash was momentarily taken aback by the bluntness.

"But I want to eat with you guys," he said.

Before he could finish, Jackson shot him a look. "We've just had our fill."

Watching Jackson and Fiona walk away, Nash hesitated, glancing back at the delicious food inside the restaurant before reluctantly trailing behind them.

On the way, Nash kept chattering until they reached the hospital entrance, where he finally fell silent.

"Why are you at the hospital?" Nash asked, noticing the City Hospital sign and wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him. "Is someone not feeling well?"

Fiona glanced at Nash, then at Jackson.

Clearly annoyed, Jackson shot Nash a glare. "Weren't you hungry?" he snapped.

Letting go of Fiona's hand, Jackson grabbed Nash by the collar and dragged him to a nearby car, stuffing him inside.

"Why do you talk so much?" Jackson glared again, driving back to the restaurant entrance. "Go eat."

Nash climbed out of the car, sulking. For all his bravado, there was no one he feared more than Jackson.