Balls Of Steel

Maddox stopped halfway to gathering his jacket. A cold splash of reality hit him like ice water.

"Wait." He turned to face Elira, who was already slinging her purse over her shoulder. "I came with my little sister and her friends. I can't just leave Jenna behind."

Elira paused, her hand frozen on the booth's door handle. For a moment, disappointment flickered across her face. Then her expression shifted, becoming thoughtful.

"Jenna?" she said, tilting her head slightly. "I thought she was still in uni?"

"They're on break." Maddox felt awkward explaining, like he was making excuses. "I made time to take her out today. She's been looking forward to spending time with me for a while now."

The excitement in Elira's eyes dimmed, but she didn't let it show for long. She set her purse back down and took a step closer to him.