A Love Rekindled (Nancy and Bruce) novel Chapter 17

"Bruce, aren't you spoiling her too much?" Kate couldn't help but intervene. "She has hands, doesn't she? Does she really need you to cut the steak and feed her?"

She said this just as Bruce was handing Cindy a napkin.

Bruce replied calmly as if it wasn't a big deal. "You wouldn't understand."

Kate was left speechless, and her face darkened in anger.

I didn't want to get dragged into their drama, so I changed the subject. "Mrs. Harold, the pan-fried cod here is really good. You should try it."

Hearing this, Kate looked down at the cod pieces that had been deboned. She smiled and said, "Nancy, you're still the most sensible one here, unlike some other girls who aren't anything but shortsighted."

The meal was as thrilling as a roller coaster ride.

After we finished eating, the four of us stood at an intersection under the neon lights. Kate took my hand and said, "Nancy, you should come over this weekend. Bruce just bought a new house with a lawn, and we've planted a bunch of bougainvillea in the backyard. You'll love it for sure."

I was startled and looked at Bruce involuntarily. He remained composed, and his eyes didn't waver nor let out the slightest emotion.

Well, Bruce was often cool and aloof, so how could he remember my preferences? It must be a coincidence.

After Kate had taken her leave, it was just the three of us standing there with surrounding awkwardness.

I checked my phone and said, "Mr. Harold, my ride is almost here. I'll leave first then."

Bruce only nodded briefly and didn't speak anything more.

With that, I turned around and crossed the street.

I could barely hear Cindy's voice, but still made out that she was blaming herself. She said, "I'm sorry, Bruce. I'm no good. I couldn't make your mom like me."

I took a deep breath and forced a smile.

It sounded as if Kate really liked me a lot when, in fact, she was just using me. But Cindy had Bruce to stand up for her, didn't she?

Now, just thinking of Bruce made me feel even worse. Clearly, he was also using me tonight.