Page 99 of The CEO Alpha’s Substitute Mate

My no is already halfway out of my mouth.

Luca’s eyes brighten. “Really? Outside?”

It’s my turn to hesitate. Ever since we came to live at the estate, Luca hasn’t gone out anywhere unless Callum was present. And I haven’t taken him out to eat in months. Back when it was just us, I would take him out once a month as a treat.

I sink my teeth into my lower lip when he turns around and clings to me. “Can we, Mom? Please!”

“Luca, I’ll have to ask your dad.”

“Go ahead.” Isabella nods, taking out her own phone.

I dial Callum’s number, but it doesn’t connect. I try again and then frown. “He always picks up. He must be busy.”

“I’ll drop Damien a message,” Isabella says. “He’s not picking up either. They must be in a meeting. If you don’t feel comfortable going with me, it’s no big deal.”

She shrugs, but I feel guilty. She’s been nothing but nice to me lately, and I feel rude turning her down.

“Mom,” Luca pleads. “We never go out!”

Sighing, I look between the two of them. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Isabella grins. She taps the driver’s window till Marek lowers it. “I’m taking them to lunch. Follow behind my car.”

“Marek can drive us,” I say quickly, but she’s already walking to a stunning red sportscar.

“Yeah, I’m not leaving my car out here. Besides, my car is much better than that closed off SUV.” She winks at Luca, who clambers into the backseat. I give him a sharp look that he ignores, and Isabella grins, opening the door for me. With no other choice, I get in.

The place she picks sits on a corner two streets back from the river with dark green tile up the walls and white linen on every table. Since it’s past lunch time, only a few tables have occupants. The place smells like fresh roasted garlic and butter.

“I’ve been coming here since I was young,” Isabella confesses. “A guilty pleasure given how my family normally wines and dines. But the food here is unparalleled. Jeremiah, the menu, please?”

An older man hurries forward and puts two menus before us. I look around. Isabella seems to belong here. But then she has a way of belonging in every situation she steps into. Like a chameleon.

The comparison is abrupt and so unexpected that it throws me off for a moment. But as I study the woman who is gazing at the faded laminated menu card, I wonder if it’s because she has to be this way.

I order the house special pasta for me and Luca while Isabella orders their bison steak with sides. The drinks arrive first. I’m just sipping mine when the door opens, and a familiar face enters. I immediately stiffen.

Corinne Thorne.

What is she doing here?

Isabella notices her about the same time I do and lifts up her hand in greeting. “Corinne. Come and sit with us.”

“No.” My voice comes out low and hard. “I’m really not comfortable with this.”

“She’s a good person.” Isabella says it without dropping her voice. “Just because she’s a Thorne doesn’t mean she’s like the rest of her family.”

Corinne approaches us, breathless. “Isabella. Miss Reyes.”

“Sit down, Corinne.” Isabella gestures with her hand.

“I—” Corinne gives me a cautious look before sitting across from me, next to Isabella. “How are you, Miss Reyes?”

“I’m fine,” I mutter.

She looks even more uneasy. Just then the food arrives and the server sets it before us. Luca leans his whole weight into my side.

“Mom.” He’s pulling at his collar with two fingers. “Can we go home?”