Chapter 17

"Jules, are you feeling unwell? You've been spacing out all day." Juliet's heart jolted. She stood frozen for several seconds under Zachary's watchful gray eyes before snapping back to herself. "I'm fine," she said, retreating half a step. The warmth in her palm vanished, yet the skin there seemed to burn even hotter. The meal was prepared quickly. Barbeque ribs, a fresh vegetable salad, and mushroom soup. They were simple, home-style dishes. The two sat facing each other at the small dining table. There was a hint of awkwardness in the air. "Try it. I haven't cooked this in a while. I'm not sure if it's still as good as I remember," Zachary said as he picked up a rib and placed it on her plate. On the white plate, the rib glistened, coated in a glossy barbecue glaze. "Thank you for cooking, Zach." "It was nothing. Come on. Try our joint effort." Juliet lifted the rib and took a bite. The meat was falling-off-the-bone tender, sweet, and tangy, just the way she liked it. "It'