Chapter 4: dinner and unspoken tensions

The dining room was warm and inviting, the table beautifully set with flickering candles and a variety of dishes that spoke of Matilda's meticulous care.

Jack leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink while watching Chloe and Ted from across the table. Matilda, ever the gracious host, smiled as she gestured for everyone to settle in.

Chloe glanced at Matilda, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "The table looks beautiful."

Matilda beamed with pride. "Thank you. I did it all myself."

Chloe raised an eyebrow in playful approval. "Impressive. Jack is indeed lucky."

Matilda laughed lightly, shaking her head. "He still doesn't admit it."

Ted, seated at the end of the table, cleared his throat, his sharp blue eyes settling on Chloe. "So, since Chloe and I barely know each other, I think it'd be great if she talked a little about herself."

Jack leaned forward with a grin. "She's the best, that's all you need to know."

Chloe chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Since you insist," she said, taking a sip of water before continuing.

"I'm twenty-seven, still figuring out my life. Work is where I met Jack—he came in as a new trainer for a hospital I was working at. And, before you ask, no, I'm not a doctor or nurse—I'm an accountant. He was great company, and that's what brought us all here tonight."

She paused, her gaze dropping momentarily as her tone grew softer. "When my father died, I fell into a deep depression. I quit my job, and the only person who seemed to care was Jack. He helped me get back on my feet, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Jack offered her a small, comforting smile. Ted remained quiet for a moment, his wineglass poised near his lips.

"Wow," Ted finally said, his voice soft. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

Chloe nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you."

Ted shifted slightly in his chair. "If you don't mind me asking, what's the story with that guy from yesterday?"

Jack snorted loudly before Chloe could respond. "Chris? That douchebag? He cheated on her with one of her friends."

Chloe shot Jack a sharp look, shaking her head as if to brush the memory aside.

Ted's expression darkened for a moment before he leaned back, smirking faintly. "I'm not sorry about that breakup."

Jack nodded emphatically. "Exactly. He was the worst. She deserves so much better."

Matilda leaned forward, her gaze on Ted. "And what about you, Ted? You're such a mystery—like a closed book."

Ted chuckled, taking a sip of his drink before responding. "Thirty-one, also still figuring out my life. I was great at chemistry in school and ended up studying engineering in college. My parents live out of town, and while I'm not entirely self-made—my father helped me quite a bit—I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I'm a hard worker."

Jack scoffed playfully. "So humble."

The group burst into laughter.

Ted smirked, raising his glass slightly. "I call it confidence."

As the dinner wrapped up, the group moved toward the front door. Chloe turned to Matilda, a warm smile on her face. "Matilda, the chicken was amazing. I'll need that recipe."

Matilda laughed. "I'll make sure to send it to you."

Ted held the door open, his smile lingering. "I had a great time tonight. Matilda, you're an amazing host."

Chloe nodded in agreement, sharing a look with Ted before stepping outside.

Outside 

Ted glanced at the time on his phone, then looked up at Chloe. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"How are you getting home?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of concern.

Chloe turned her head to look at him. "Most probably, Uber," she replied, shrugging slightly, her tone casual.

Ted shook his head, a small frown forming on his face. "Like I'm going to let that happen," he said with quiet determination. "Come on, get in my car. Let me drive you."

He turned and started walking toward his black car, but Chloe didn't immediately follow. She stood still, watching him for a moment before calling out.

"No, really. Your house is literally two houses away. You don't have to do that. Uber is fine. I don't want to cause any trouble."

Ted stopped in his tracks and looked back at her, a soft but resolute smile playing on his lips. "There's no trouble. Come on."

But Chloe still didn't move. Ted sighed, clearly frustrated but not willing to let her walk off on her own.

"Chloe, it's too late for an Uber. There's no way I'm letting you go," he said, his voice firm.

Chloe met his gaze, her lips parting as she hesitated. She licked her lips, then sighed. "Okay, I guess."

A smile spread across Ted's face, relieved that she had agreed. He walked to the passenger side of the car, Chloe following behind him. He opened the door for her, and she slid inside without another word.

"Thank you," she said quietly as she settled into the seat.

Ted closed the door gently before walking around to the driver's side. He slid into the seat, starting the car and pulling away from the curb.

Chloe gazed out the window as they drove, the city lights blurring past.

"This is my house," Ted said, breaking the silence. He gestured to a large, well-kept house just a few doors down from Jack's.

"Nice house," Chloe said, glancing at it briefly. Then, her curiosity piqued, she looked over at him. "But, you didn't actually come driving, right?"

Ted gave a small chuckle. "No."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "So then how is it possible that your car was already parked in front of Jack's?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Ted's lips. "Let's just say I had plans to drive you home."

Chloe couldn't help but laugh softly at his comment, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. She fell silent after that, looking out the window, lost in her thoughts.

Ted, his attention mostly on the road, cleared his throat. "I don't mean to interrupt your inner peace," he began, his voice soft but serious. "But I'm driving aimlessly because I don't know your address."

Chloe snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes widening. "Oh my god, yes, I totally forgot," she said, a nervous laugh escaping her. " Harlem."

Ted smiled, nodding in acknowledgment. "Very well."

The music played softly in the background, a comfortable silence stretching between them as the car moved steadily through the night. Ted kept his focus on the road, while Chloe continued to stare out the window, her mind swirling with thoughts she didn't quite know how to process.

Ted's voice broke the silence again, this time a little more hesitant. "So, I just wanted to apologize about what happened last night."

Chloe's gaze shifted to him, her eyes locking with his for a brief second before he looked back to the road. His voice was low, but sincere.

"I know it's none of my business, but you weren't comfortable with him, Chloe. I saw it. I wanted to stay in my place, not cross any lines, but god, Chloe, it was you. And I couldn't stop myself."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Chloe's lips. She nodded, acknowledging his words. "I know," she said softly. "I was rude to you, and I apologize for that. But I'm glad you did what you did."

They shared a smile, one that was both understanding and fragile, like an unspoken bond between them.

"No hard feelings?" Ted asked, his voice light.

Chloe chuckled, shaking her head. "No hard feelings."

They looked at each other for a long moment, the air between them shifting. There was a brief, quiet connection, something unspoken but deeply felt.

Suddenly, Chloe's eyes widened as she looked ahead.

"Look out!" she screamed.

Ted's gaze snapped to the road just in time to see a car coming straight at them. He swerved, trying to avoid the impact, but it was too late.

The world around them seemed to slow as the cars collided, the sound of metal scraping against metal filling the air. Chloe's heart raced in her chest as the force of the crash jerked them both forward, their bodies thrown against their seatbelts.