"Sorry, Jack… and thank you for understanding me," she said sincerely. "But the truth is, I'm used to coming here. The food here is really good… and I don't want to stop coming just because it's a place I used to share with my ex. That would be cowardice."
Rachel quickly jumped in, trying to restore the normal mood.
"Exactly! We can't stop coming to a good place just because of one person, ahhh! I feel sick just remembering her, ughh!" she said sarcastically, then pretended to throw up as a joke.
That action broke the heavy tension, and they all laughed a little.
But the laughter didn't last.
The restaurant door opened, and Lucy walked in holding hands with her friend, Zoe. They were laughing, whispering happily—until Lucy's eyes met Oscar's.
She stopped abruptly.
Her feet refused to move forward.
Zoe noticed the change immediately. When she looked in that direction and realized what had startled Lucy, her smile disappeared.
"Zoe, let's leave," Lucy said quickly.
Lucy turned, ready to go. But Zoe grabbed her hand and stopped her.
"Don't be ridiculous," she said in a low but firm voice. "We can't stop eating just because your ex is here. If you don't want to eat, I'll eat, and when I'm done, we'll leave."
Lucy didn't respond.
She remained silent, knowing deep down she wouldn't be able to eat in peace. But under her friend's insistence, she sat down, hoping time would pass quickly so she could leave that place.
On the other side of the restaurant, Rachel was restless.
"That jerk… who told her we're here?" she complained angrily. "Why won't they just let my brother have some peace?"
She wanted to stand up and go over to them, but Oscar stopped her.
"Sit down," he said in a commanding voice. "If you want us to finish this meal in peace."