The first to spot Jessica was Johnson. His sharp eyes caught her presence, and a playful smile tugged at his lips.
“Jessica’s here too,” he remarked, glancing at Ethan. “What do you say we invite her to join us?”
Ethan followed Johnson’s gaze, his eyes briefly landing on Jessica. Though he didn’t respond verbally, his silence was enough of a consent.
“I’ll go get her,” Johnson said, rising from his seat and making his way toward her booth.
When Jessica noticed Johnson approaching, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. “You’re here too?” she asked lightly, a trace of amusement in her tone.
Johnson nodded warmly. “Come join us.”
For a moment, Jessica hesitated. Her eyes shifted toward Ethan’ booth, where she caught sight of Emily and Ryan. Her lips curved into a subtle smile, and she nodded.
“Sure,” she said after a brief pause. She turned to her companion, Bethany, and said, “Let’s go, Bethany. Let’s join them.”
Bethany, ever perceptive of Jessica’s intentions, gave a small nod and followed her without question.
________________________________________
The three of them made their way to the booth on the second floor.
As Jessica approached, her gaze casually swept across the group, landing briefly on Ethan. Their eyes met for a split second, a quiet tension flickering in the air between them. Both quickly looked away, neither acknowledging the moment.
With Jessica and Bethany now present, the atmosphere in the booth shifted subtly, a charged energy filling the space.
Ryan, always eager to stir the pot, leaned back in his seat with a sly grin. “This sitting around is getting dull, don’t you think, Mrs. Clark? How about we play a game?”
Jessica’s gaze shifted lazily toward him, her expression calm and composed. “What kind of game do you have in mind?” she asked evenly.
Ryan’s eyes gleamed mischievously as he picked up the dice cup on the table, giving it a casual shake. “It’s simple—dice. We roll and compare numbers. The one with the smaller number loses, and the loser drinks.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression unreadable.
“Sounds fine,” she replied coolly, showing no hesitation.
A man sitting next to Ryan grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured generous amounts into two glasses, filling them to the brim.
Jessica’s gaze flickered to her glass, observing the amber liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim.
Noticing her glance, Ryan chuckled. “If it’s too much for you, Mrs. Clark, we can make it half a glass,” he said, his tone mocking.
Jessica’s lips curved into a faint, dismissive smile. “No need. A full glass is fine.”
Ryan’s grin widened. “Great! Let’s begin.”
________________________________________
The first round started.
Jessica rolled a three, and Ryan rolled a four.
“Just luck,” Ryan remarked, placing the dice cup down with a smug grin.
Without hesitation, Jessica picked up her whiskey and downed it in one swift motion. Her movements were smooth, her expression unfazed.
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone watched her bold action in disbelief.
“Impressive!” Johnson exclaimed, clearly amused.
Ryan’s smirk faltered for a split second, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. “Let’s continue,” he said, his tone more focused.
________________________________________
The next round began, and this time Ryan lost.
He downed his whiskey with less ease, a visible wince crossing his face as the fiery liquid burned its way down his throat.
The game carried on, and in no time, Jessica had already finished five glasses while Ryan had only managed one.
The others watched in stunned silence.
Jessica’s composure remained impeccable. Her cheeks showed no flush, her eyes were sharp, and her posture steady. It was as if the whiskey had no effect on her.
By contrast, Ryan’s confidence began to waver.
The sheer audacity and ease with which Jessica handled herself left the group in awe.
Ethan, seated quietly, furrowed his brows slightly. His gaze lingered on Jessica, his thoughts unreadable, though he chose to remain silent.
“Bravo, Mrs. Clark,” Ryan said with a chuckle, though the amusement in his tone seemed forced. “You’re truly impressive.”
He picked up the dice cup again, his determination reignited. “Come on, let’s keep going!”
Just as he was about to roll, Jessica’s calm voice cut through the moment.
“Wait,” she said firmly, placing a hand lightly on the table.
Her tone carried a quiet authority that made everyone pause and turn toward her.