Eleanor’s gaze drifted almost instinctively toward the man at the table across from her. Ian was deep in conversation with his guest, but as if sensing her eyes on him, he glanced in her direction. Eleanor quickly looked away.
After lunch, Mr. Mansfield Ellington offered to drive Mrs. Whitmore home, and Mildred used the opportunity to nudge Eleanor and Mansfield together.
“Mansfield, why don’t you take Eleanor out for coffee? Or maybe a walk? I need my afternoon nap,” Mildred announced with a sly smile.
“Of course, Grandma. Enjoy your rest!” Mansfield replied.
Mildred turned to Eleanor with a warm invitation. “Next time, bring your daughter over to visit. I’d love to meet her.”
“I’d like that. Thank you, Mildred,” Eleanor answered politely.
Once outside with Mansfield, Eleanor hesitated. “Are you busy? If you have work, I—”
“I’m not busy,” he cut in, reassuringly.
Just as the words left his mouth, Eleanor’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen—Callie. “Excuse me, I need to take this,” she said.
Mansfield nodded, stepping aside while she answered. Eleanor listened for a few moments, her expression growing grave. Mansfield watched her with concern.
When she hung up, Eleanor turned to him. “I have to get to the lab. Something’s come up. Rain check?”
“I’ll drive you,” Mansfield offered at once.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to trouble you.”
“It’s no trouble. Honestly, I’ve got nothing else on my plate,” he said with an easy smile.
Eleanor didn’t argue. During the drive, she buried herself in her phone, scrolling through articles and reports, barely saying a word.


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