Chapter 2: A Thankless Rescue

Marcus slid into the booth next to me, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. His eyes darted around, taking in the scene, and he lowered his voice. "What happened?"

I told him in a rush, my voice tight with frustration. As I talked, I watched his jaw clench—he always did that when he was fighting the urge to lose it.

He squared his shoulders, stepping in front of me. His jaw worked, and I could see the muscle twitch near his temple. "My girlfriend just answered your question. Back off with the personal attacks."

He held up his phone, thumb hovering over the keypad. "If you keep this up, I’m calling the cops. And she already apologized. You got what you wanted—why keep pushing?"

For a moment, the room seemed to freeze. Marcus’s presence was a wall between me and the angry parents. As he picked up his coat, the Rolex on his wrist caught the light—an unmistakable flex.

Suddenly, the waitress snapped out of her corner, her posture straightening as her eyes landed on Marcus. I felt a cold prickle run up my spine, and I slid my hand around his arm, pulling him closer. If she couldn’t even thank me for helping her, I wasn’t about to play savior again.

Marcus handed me my phone, his fingers brushing mine. "All paid. Two forty. Ready to go?" His voice was light, as if nothing had happened.

I nodded, grabbing my purse. But before we could escape, a voice as sweet as syrup called out behind us.

"Thank you for speaking up for me." The words tumbled out, aimed straight at Marcus, not me.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaning toward him. "Can I treat you to dinner tomorrow?"

I hesitated, glancing at Marcus. My mind raced. The last time I got involved in someone else’s drama, it ended badly. But she looked so desperate. I took a breath and waited for his reaction.

The junior stepped forward, hands twisting her apron, eyes still red but shining now as she gazed at Marcus.

I let out a bitter laugh before I could stop myself. Was this a joke? I risked humiliation for her, and she pretended I didn’t exist—then turned all her gratitude on my boyfriend.

Marcus turned, his expression polite but chilly. "You’re at State too?"

She nodded, practically bouncing. "Is it okay? Thank you so much. If you hadn’t stepped in, who knows what would have happened!"

Marcus’s voice dropped, cool as ice. "No thanks. I didn’t do anything for you."

He turned back to me, and we started for the door. I kept quiet, my annoyance simmering. I guess I’d helped the wrong person. Lesson learned.