Chapter 49
Marve, blushing furiously, shakily bundled her undergarments into her skirt, trying to cover them up as discreetly as possible, mortified to the
she thought. Alcohol is a menace! She swore that if she ever touched it again, she’d jump off this building
After freshening up. Maeve tossed Byron’s shirt into the washing machine. Once it was clean, she took it out and hung it up to dry.
Just as she was finishing. Byron walked out and caught sight of her. Remembering the awkward scene from last night when he’d washed and hung her clothes, he felt a subtle tension in his throat before quickly looking away.
“Let’s go,” he said coolly, heading straight for the door.
kay…“ Maeve mumbled, trailing after him with a bit of reluctance.
Downstairs, she assumed they’d be heading back home, but to her surprise, Byron led her to a nearby breakfast spot.
The area close to a university, so there were plenty of options along the street
I need to head to the office after this. Once we finish breakfast, you can take a cab back on your own,” Byron said, his tone indifferent.
Matue iodded. “Get”
After a moment, she adued volty. Thanks for teaching me how to mix drinks last night. Sorry for causing so much trouble.”
Byron glanced at her briefly. “As long as you realize it”
Oh, as this Maeve Back for another part–time gig?” The shop owner came over with a welcoming smile after serving another customer, immediately recognizing her.
Maeve suddenly remembered why this area felt so familiar–she used to frequent this spot during her college part–time jobs.
‘Oh wow, is this your boyfriend‘ He’s really handsome! You two make such a great couple!” the owner said.
Embarrassed, Maeve quickly wa
y waved her hands. “No, no, he’s not my boyfriend. You’ve got it wrong..
“Why so shy? It’s only a matter of time, right? I’m rooting for you two.
Really, it’s not like that…
The owner, smiling knowingly, acted as if he didn’t hear her protests. “What can I get for you two? I can toss in an extra pizza, just for you”
-Realizing it was pointless to argue, Maeve numbly ordered some milk and some cereal.
The owner turned to prepare the food, and Maeve quickly leaned over to Byron, “Don’t pay any attention to what he everyone, he doesn’t mean anything by it.”
he said. He just
just likes to tez
lease
Byron gave a noncommittal hum, his expression unreadable.
They found a seat, and the breakfast was served shortly after
“You’ve been here before?” Byron asked.
“Yeah Marve’s eyes softened with nostalgia. “My first part–time job in college was nearby. I worked as a gardener, taking care of rose bushes.
“They paid well, so I studied a lot about plant care to do the job right. Thanks to that, I can even grow vegetables on my balcony now”
“Roses. Byron’s gaze flickered.
In this area, the only place with rose bushes was the courtyard of his apartment
He thought, “So, the gardener Archer hired to take care of them while I was away was actually Maeve?
A complicated expression crossed Byron’s face.
He wondered, Should I call her simple or refreshingly down–to–earth?”
Most people wouldn’t be so matter–of–fact, let alone proud, about doing menial work like gardening for someone che, but she spoke of it like it was
1/2
Chapter 19
chadge of hoper. He suddenly found her harder to figure out.
After breakfast. Marve took a taxt back to her apartment…
Watching Byron mix drinks the night before had sparked a lot of inspiration for her.
Coupled with the bartending tips she picked up from him, she now had everything she needed to finish Bonnie’s illustration.
On the day she submitted the final work, Bonnie promptly transferred the remaining payment to Macve’s account.
Bonnie. You really nailed it! The bartender at the bar and the whole play scenario got me so excited I almost had a nosebleed! You’re still the same -able to capture the mood without needing anything explicit, and it’s perfect!]
Tonnic you around, I’ll never get tired of these husbands of mine.]
Seusing her excitement, Maeve smiled as she replied: This layout and storyline were a new challenge for me too. I was worried you might not like
Bonnie: [No way! You need to have more confidence in yourself.]
For some
Are you still available to take on more commissions? How’s the job hunt going“]
haven’t found anything yet. I’ve got a few other illustration orders lined up, so I’m pretty swamped.]
some reason, all the resumes she sent out seemed to vanish into thin air–none of the companies she applied to had responded
