Because the Present Matters Most

The first thing Quin said when he appeared in the kitchen with Eli and Mariella's food order was "they eloped."

It left Marnthe, who was washing dishes, and Tia, who was preparing a food order, gaping at Quin.

"Who eloped?" Tia asked, lost since she was busy finishing up the food orders to pay attention to the people walking in and out of the restaurant.

"Eli and Mariella," Quin said, giving the food order sheet from the couple's table to Tia. "They're sporting silver bands on their ring finger. They probably took Jelani with them as a witness for the wedding."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Tia asked, putting the order next on her list of foods to prepare.

"I don't know. Maybe it's true love."

"Good for them," Marnthe muttered, unsure of what to feel. Was he surprised? Sure. Was he hurt? A little. Jealous? Perhaps. But something else outweighed the emotion...bitterness, betrayal. Eli went on with his life as if nothing terrible happened between him and Marnthe.