Olivia's POV
As we walked toward the restaurant entrance, I found myself caught between Gabriel's nervous energy and Maxwell's insufferable confidence. Gabriel kept glancing at me with concern, clearly worried that I might have another breakdown. Maxwell, on the other hand, strutted along like he was attending his own coronation.
*Why was he even here? What kind of person insisted on chaperoning their friend's date? And what kind of friend allowed it?*
The hostess greeted us warmly, though I caught her doing a double-take when she saw Maxwell. Apparently, his arrogance was visible even to strangers.
"Table for three?" she asked, grabbing menus.
"Actually," Gabriel said quickly, "could we possibly get a table for two? My friend here is just... keeping us company for a moment."
Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "I'm staying for dinner, Gabriel. We discussed this."
"We discussed you giving us space," Gabriel replied, his voice becoming hard. "This is supposed to be a date, remember?"
