"Isabel, you said Ethan likes seafood, so I ordered some..."
"No way."
Isabel immediately interrupted him, "Did you forget about your seafood allergy?"
"It's for Ethan. I won't touch it."
"Are you sure you can resist?"
With a disapproving frown, Isabel grabbed the menu from him, taking charge of the ordering.
Mason rested his chin on his hands, grinning at her.
Sitting by, watching them get along so effortlessly, I felt like the odd man out.
I felt my heart growing cold and even the air turning bitter, oppressively dense.
Back in the first half of the year, when Mason first joined Isabel's team, she would vent to me daily about his carelessness and obtuseness.
At first, I would tell her not to sweat the small stuff with him.
But soon, Mason's name was a constant presence in our conversations.
His name was in almost every sentence when she spoke to me.
Isabel's attitude toward him shifted from scolding to open admiration.
She said he reminded her of me back in the day—passionate about life and ambitious.
Mason's words yanked me back to the present.
"Ethan, I'm sorry about the last incident. Please don't stay mad at Isabel. We guys should be more gracious, you know? We have to look out for the ladies."
He was mouthing an apology, but it didn't sound like one at all.
It was more like a subtle dig at me.
His words were laced with blame, a hint of condescension.
The look in his eyes was almost taunting, but Isabel was oblivious.
Seeing I wasn't responding to Mason, she tried to nudge me.
I subtly dodged her touch, chuckled lightly, and said nonchalantly, "I'm not mad, actually. I should thank you."
In my mind, I added, "Thanks for showing me the light, for making me realize how foolish I was to cling to our relationship."
Isabel looked puzzled. "What are you thanking him for?"
"For helping me see you clearly, of course." I said with a faint smile, slowly rising to my feet.
"You two are quite the sight suddenly. Enjoy your meal. I'm off."
The grin on Mason's face vanished, replaced by a look of caution.
"Ethan, did I do something to upset you?"
Before I could say anything, Isabel's face flushed with anger. "Ethan, what's gotten into you? He apologized, and you're still being so aggressive. Do you enjoy this?"
I met her furious gaze, my voice calm.
"Watching you two squirm is pretty entertaining."
With that, I left the restaurant, ignoring their indignation.