NovelEnglishCharlene, York, and Gaylord had all cprepared, so their side of the meadow was a feast for the eyes. Several
picnic blankets were laid out, covered in baskets overflowing with gourmet ingredients.
Fresh salads, red wine, champagne, pastries, and signature drinks were all arranged artfully, creating a warm,
inviting picnic spread that put everyone in a cheerful mood.
After everything was set up, York glanced at the steaks, lamb chops, and assortment of seafood he'd brought
along especially for the occasion. He turned to Charlene and asked, "Do you like spicy food? This marbled lamb is
something | had flown in last night from out of town. I've tried it before, and it's top quality—"
Before York could finish, Gaylord strolled over and handed Charlene a drink, cutting him off mid-sentence. "This
is a special drink | had made just for today," he said, grinning. "It's really good-want to try it?"
With the drink already offered, Charlene had no choice but to accept. "Thank you," she replied politely.
Since York had just spoken to her, she couldn't ignore him either. Turning back, she added, "I can handle spicy
food, and I'm not picky."
York smiled. "Great."
With that, Charlene took a sip of the drink in her hand. The flavor surprised her-it was blueberry, just the way she
liked it, with a smooth, bright taste that instantly lifted her spirits. "This is delicious," she said, her eyes lighting
up. "lI really like it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Thank you."
Having worked by Charlene's side for a few months, Gaylord naturally understood her tastes better than most.
He'd actually had this drink developed especially with her preferences in mind.
Seeing her enjoy it, his smile grew. "I'm glad you like it. | had them mix up a few different flavors—there's
raspberry, too. Want to try that one later?"
Charlene nodded, "Sure."
As she looked up, she caught sight of Connie across the blankets, waggling her eyebrows and making
exaggerated faces at her.
Charlene paused, momentarily speechless.
Connie tried to stifle her laughter, leaning in to whisper to Stewart, "Looks like | picked the perfect night to come
along."
Honestly, this little unfolding was even better than a meteor shower.
When Stewart didn't respond and only frowned, Connie asked, "What's wrong?"
Stewart was staring at Charlene with York and Gaylord, looking genuinely baffled. "So... Gaylord's interested in
Charlene too?"
"You didn't know?" Connie said, surprised.
"No, | just figured it out." The realization had only just dawned on him-so that was why Gaylord suggested this
whole orting Clearly his sights were on Charlene as well. s
Connie glanced toward the tagain, unable to hold back a smile. "I doubt Charlene realized it before. | wonder
if she's picked up on it now..."
In truth, both York and Gaylord knew how to keep things respectful; the last thing
they wanted was to make Charlene uncomfortable.
Once they'd checked which foods Charlene liked, they wandered over to join Connie and Stewart.
Seeing them approach, Connie quickly stopped talking.
York was the first to speak. "Mr. Ferguson, Miss Snyder, would you
like to
try sof my grilling
ater?
I'm not much of a chef but | can
handle a barbecue.
fos
Connie grinned. "That sounds great, Mr. Watson. Thank you."
Stewart nodded as well. "Appreciate it."
Gaylord chimed in, introducing sof his own culinary contributions.
The group fell into easy conversation, the atmosphere relaxed and lively.
A little later, Connie sidled up to Charlene, whispering with a
mischievous smile, "So? How
it
feel to have all the attention from the guys tonight content belongs to s
Charlene, drink in hand, could only laugh-momentarily at a loss for words.
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