Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Mia and David had known each other for a long time, so she knew exactly what kind of person he was.

Facing David's teasing, Mia smiled and said, "Okay, jokes aside. Here's the thing — I have a friend who just came to Seabrook from out of town. It's kind of hard to explain our relationship in a few words. If you're willing to come, I'll treat you to dinner at Seattle Grand Bistro."

That got David's attention. Seattle Grand Bistro? Mia couldn't even get in there anymore. But he didn't mention that over the phone. He just smiled and said, "Sure, tell me where you are. I'll come find you in an hour."

Mia asked, "Why are you at Seacliff Castle?"

David said matter-of-factly, "I've got nowhere else to go in Seabrook, so I came home to rest."

Mia's mind quickly turned, and she deliberately tried to stir up trouble between David and Elizabeth. "Nowhere to go? Are you serious? You and Elizabeth are legally married now. Her place is huge — it could fit ten more people, no problem. Besides, she let Ethan stay over before he ran off. Surely her own husband, the one she's actually married to, can stay there too, right?"

David was no fool. If Mia had said that to someone head over heels in love, it might have caused some real friction. But saying it to David was like talking to a wall — no reaction at all. He just laughed it off. "I'm more comfortable at my own place. Send me the address. I'll come find you after breakfast."

After hanging up, David's mood gradually lifted.

Soon, he got a text from Mia. Once they confirmed where to meet, David drove over.

An hour later, David found Mia near Seabrook Square. The moment they saw each other, Mia waved and said, "Come on, we're taking my car today."

David looked around to her left and right, didn't see anyone else, and asked curiously, "Didn't you say someone else was coming? Where are they? Why is it just you?"

Mia sighed. "They're not here yet. Still at my place talking business with my dad."

David got in and settled into the passenger seat. "Man or woman?"

Mia rolled her eyes at him. "Which do you hope it is?"

David caught her look and already had a pretty good guess. He smiled. "A man?"

Mia nodded like it was obvious. "Of course. If it were a woman, why would I introduce her to you?"

David smiled and pushed back. "Why not? We've spent so much time together — have I ever given you any trouble?"

Mia laughed. "Oh, stop pretending. You know exactly what's on my mind. Anyway, forget it. Just make sure you give me some face today."

David threw up his hands, looking helpless. "Ms. Wilson, can you not joke around like this? You said you were treating me to dinner. Now it sounds like I'm here to do you a favor. Let me be clear — today I'm just here to eat. Whatever else is going on has nothing to do with me."

Mia dropped the smile and got serious. "Okay, here's the deal. If you play along today and do what I say, I'll let you use my Seattle Grand Bistro membership card for half a month. I know you love eating there."

David held back a laugh. "Half a month?"

Mia gritted her teeth. "Fine, one month. One month, okay? I'm telling you, a Seattle Grand Bistro membership card isn't something just anyone can get. Only people in Seabrook who truly appreciate good food and are at a certain level can have one."

A sly grin spread across David's face. "That card of yours might not work anymore."

Mia didn't believe him for a second and brushed it off. "Please. How could my card not work? Mr. Jones — David — I'm begging you, help me out today. I wouldn't have called you if I had any other option. You're good-looking, capable, and you've got this presence about you. Just sit there and..."

Before Mia could finish, David cut straight to it. "Alright, save it. I know what you want. You just need me to be your shield, right?"

Mia grinned. "See? I knew you were the smartest, most understanding person in the world."

David cracked his knuckles and pretended to be fired up. "Well, since you put it that way, maybe I should just take the guy out completely."

Mia quickly waved her hands, looking alarmed. "No, no, absolutely not. Okay, let me be straight with you. His dad and my dad go way back — old comrades. Our two families have been doing business together for years. But he's just not my type. He's kind of... wishy-washy. No backbone at all. All I need you to do today is pretend to be my boyfriend and make it clear to him that he doesn't have a chance with me."

David asked, "Can you tell me his name?"

Mia's face scrunched up in distaste before she even said it. "Michael Carr."

David laughed. "That look on your face — is he really that bad?"

Mia grimaced. "It's not about whether he's bad or not. It's just... hard to explain in a few words. You'll see what he's like when you meet him."

After hearing Mia's description, David was actually kind of curious about this Michael. He wanted to see for himself just what kind of person could make Mia react like that.

At noon, Mia and David waited for Michael in the parking lot not far from Seattle Grand Bistro.

Before Michael even got out of the car, David was already caught off guard by the custom pink Audi. Spotting that bright pink from a distance, he figured a pretty girl was about to step out. But the next second, the car door swung open and out stepped a big, stocky guy.

The man had a rough, intimidating face — but he was wearing a pink suit, and even his shoes were pink. One look was enough to give David goosebumps all over.

"Ms. Wilson, find someone else to take to this dinner. I can't handle this." David said, pushing the car door open and getting ready to bolt.