Calista Moore glanced at her watch, the watch ticking away as she crossed across the street toward Louis's Café. She nervously adjusted her bag feeling the weight of the evening ahead of her. Miss Agatha, her colleague as well as her friend had once again played matchmaker this time setting her up with a distant relative newly returned from abroad. It wasn't just any casual meeting. It was part of a matchmaking event to celebrate the café's grand opening.
"Single mother or not, you deserve romance! I will take care everything here in your stead here!!?" Agatha had said with a determined glint in her eye.
Calista sighed it seemed like she couldn't escape this time pushing open the café door. The warm scent of coffee and baked goods greeted her, while soothing her nerves momentarily. She scanned the tables until she spotted the number 101 in the corner. Empty. Relief washed over her.
She rushed into the restroom fishing out her compact and applying a touch of makeup. A quick sweep of mascara, a dab of lipstick. At least I won't look like I just ran straight from work, she thought satisfied with the effort.
She returned from the restroom, her heart skipped a beat when seeing an handsome man in a dark blue suit, who was now occuping that table 101. He was scrolling through his phone seemingly unaware of her approach.
"Here goes nothing." she muttered smoothing her skirt before walking over.
The man stood as she reached the table flashing a polite but slightly nervous smile.
"Hi." he said extending a hand. "Luke Evren. VP at Riverview Developments."
"Calista Moore." she replied shaking his hand. "Co-owner of a small but thriving consultancy. The reason you're here I assume is due to Miss Agatha's handiworks?"
Luke chuckled. "Guilty as charged. She practically shoved me too into this saying it was time I stopped 'brooding' and met someone."
Calista laughed lightly. "Sounds familiar. She's been on a mission with me too. Though, to be fair it's been a while since I've done... this."
"You and me both" Luke admitted leaning back. "Hey, let's make the most of it. So tell me, what's your story?"
As they began chatting, Calista found herself relaxing because Luke had an easygoing charm and his self-deprecating humor lightened the mood.
"I'll admit" Luke said at one point "I was so nervous about this that I Googled 'How to survive a blind date.' Spoiler alert: It said not to spill coffee on myself, so I'm calling it a win so far."
Calista laughed. "Well, you're doing better than I expected. No awkward silences yet."
Just as she started to enjoy the moment, a chill ran down her spine. She felt a gaze burning into her. She glanced toward the entrance and froze. Viktor Draven, her ex and the father of her child stood there his piercing eyes locked on her. His expression was readable completely that was a murderous gaze through those eyes.
Panic surged. She leaned closer to Luke without thinking and lowered her voice and said. "I need a favor. The man by the door? That's my ex. Pretend we've been married for three years."
Luke raised an eyebrow his lips twitching into a mischievous grin. "Three years? Sure thing. Do I get a backstory? Maybe a dramatic proposal in Paris?"
"Luke!!!" she hissed glaring at him.
He chuckled straightening up. "Got it. Time to bring out my inner Prince Charming."
Before she could respond, Viktor was already walking toward their table. Luke didn't miss a beat. He slid closer to Calista draping an arm casually over the back of her chair.
"For you, my queen!!" he murmured while also shooting her a wink.
Calista groaned inwardly but stayed put not showing anything.
"Calista." Viktor's deep voice cut through the air as his eyes flicking from her to Luke. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Viktor." she replied with her voice in a relaxted manner pointing to Luke. "This is my husband, Luke Evren."
"Husband?" Viktor's eyebrows shot up and his gaze hardening on Luke as he assessed Luke.
"Yep, three years and still counting." Luke chimed in offering Viktor a grin that was both equally charmful and was a challenge. "You know what they say marriage is a marathon, not a sprint."
Calista resisted the urge to kick him under the table. Viktor's jaw tightened, he was ready to go for the kill but resisted it.
"I wasn't aware that you had remarried." Viktor said his tone icy.
"Well, it's been a busy few years now." Calista said keeping her voice light.
Luke leaned forward as if sharing a secret. "You should see her making the morning breakfast's. She's a magician with her hands. How could I not marry her?"
Calista bit back a laugh her nerves momentarily forgotten. However, Vikttor was far from amused.
"I see." Viktor said with his voice clipped. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he straightened. "Enjoy your evening."
He turned and left with his broad shoulders tense as he disappeared through the café doors.
As soon as he was gone, Calista let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"Okay." she said turning to Luke. "What was that?"
"A flawless performance." Luke said smirking. "I should get an award for that."
Calista shook her head completely amused. "You're ridiculous."
"I was waiting for you're welcome though let's save it for later." Luke replied leaning back in his chair. "Though I have to say, if that guy's your ex you've got quite the dramatic history."
"You have no idea." Calista muttered taking a sip of water.
Luke watched her for a moment, his humor softening into something more genuine. "For what it's worth, I don't think he's over you yet."
Calista's smile faltered but she quickly masked it. "That's not the problem."
"Then what is?"
She hesitated then shook her head. "It's complicated."
Luke raised his hands in surrender. "Fair enough but just so you know, I'm pretty good at untangling complicated things."
Calista chuckled. "Let's just get through this evening first, okay?"
"As you wish, Mrs. Evren." Luke teased earning an eye roll.
For the first time in a long while, Calista felt a spark of lightness amidst the tension.