As soon as he finished speaking, a round of teasing erupted around them. Everyone turned to look at Liz and Ethan with knowing smiles.


    “Ethan, if I remember right, Liz is single now. If you’re nning to pursue her, you better make a move soon!”


    “Well, that depends. Liz might not even be interested. Don’t get ahead of yourselves.”


    “Come on, Ethan’s good-looking and has a great personality. Liz, what do you think? Maybe give him a chance?”


    Liz pressed her lips together in a faint smile and replied, “I’m focused on my career right now. When ites to love, I’m just going to let things happen naturally.”


    She didn’t dislike Ethan, but she didn’t have feelings for him either. For now, being friends seemed like the best choice. Besides, she wasn’t looking for a rtionship at the moment.


    Everyone at the table was old enough to read between the lines. It was clear she had gently turned him down, and a few people nced at Ethan with a hint of sympathy.


    Back in high school, it had been obvious to many that Ethan had a quiet crush on Liz. But he never got the chance to confess. He had dated someone briefly in college, but that ended quickly, and he hadn’t been in a rtionship since.


    Ethan, however, didn’t seem fazed. He chuckled and said, “Come on, I’m just being a thoughtful ssmate. If anyone else were sitting next to me, I’d have done the same. Let’s change the subject.”


    His light tone helped shift the mood, and soon the conversation moved on.


    As the drinks kepting, the atmosphere in the private room grew livelier.


    After a while, Liz stood up to head to the restroom, and Tammy went with her.


    Once they finished and were washing their hands, Tammy suddenly asked, “Hey Liz, what do you think of Ethan?”


    Liz paused mid-rinse and looked over at her. “That’s a random question.”


    “Not really. Back in high school, Ethan had a crush on you.”


    Liz pulled a paper towel from the dispenser and dried her hands. “That was ages ago. For all we know, he’s long over it.”


    Tammy gave a small smile. “Doesn’t seem like it to me.”


    There was something off in her tone, and Liz frowned slightly but didn’t say anything.


    Since arriving at the reunion, she had noticed that something between them felt different. It wasn’t like it used to be. There was a quiet tension, as if something unspoken lingered beneath the surface.


    Just then, the click of high heels echoed behind them.


    “Liz, Tammy, what are you two doing just standing here? You look like bathroom security.’


    The voice belonged to Jessica rk, their old student council rep. She had always been outspoken in high school, and clearly that hadn’t changed.


    Her cheeks were flushed, and she walked with an unsteady wobble, clearly tipsy.


    Tammy stepped forward to steady her andughed. “How much did you drink?”


    Jessica held up three fingers. “Just three beers.”


    “No wonder you’re like this.”


    “I could drink more.”


    “All right. Do you need to use the restroom? I’ll help you in.”


    She turned to Liz. “Go ahead and head back. I’ll bring her in once she’s done.”


    Liz nodded. “Okay.”


    Instead of returning to the private room, she walked down to the end of the first-floor corridor and stopped by a window. She opened it slightly, letting the cool air in.


    Behind her, a low male voice called out.


    “Liz?”


    She turned and saw Rick. A flicker of surprise crossed her face.


    She knew this hotel belonged to him, but hispany owned several properties. He usually didn’t show up at every one.


    “Mr. Cooper,” she said politely.


    Rick raised an eyebrow. “We’ve had dinner together more than a few times. No need to be so formal. Just call me Rick.”