Chapter 19 - Mable Softens
Mable Lee does not repeat herself.
She also does not waste time.
Which is why when she texted Jayna:
Coffee. Bring your fiancée.
—it was not a suggestion.
---
Ginny knew she was being evaluated the moment she sat down.
Again.
Except this time, it felt different.
Not reunion-politeness.
Not elegant-hostess mode.
This was deliberate.
Jayna went to order their drinks, leaving Ginny alone across from Mable in the quiet café corner.
Mable lifted her porcelain cup with calm precision.
"You stayed over," she said mildly.
Ginny nearly choked on air.
"Jayna tells you everything?" she asked.
"No," Mable replied. "But she hasn't looked that rested in months."
That silenced Ginny.
Mable watched her carefully.
At the reunion, Mable had been intimidating.
Sharp.
Protective.
Now she looked... observant.
"You're not what I expected," Mable said.
Ginny blinked. "That's either a compliment or a threat."
"It's an update."
Ginny almost smiled.
Almost.
Jayna returned then, sliding into the seat beside Ginny naturally — close enough that their thighs brushed.
Neither of them moved.
Mable noticed that too.
They talked casually at first. Work. Gym renovations. Apple's latest chaotic plan to "soft launch" Ginny's fake engagement online.
Jayna laughed easily.
Ginny watched her while pretending not to.
And that's when it happened.
Jayna reached for her cup too quickly and winced slightly — subtle, but there.
Ginny caught it instantly.
"Your wrist," she said quietly.
Jayna shrugged. "It's fine."
"You said that yesterday."
Mable's gaze sharpened.
Ginny gently took Jayna's hand without hesitation, turning it palm up.
"Did you tape it properly this morning?" she asked, brows knitting together.
Jayna looked at her like she'd just discovered a secret.
"...Yes."
Ginny didn't look convinced.
"You push yourself too much," she muttered.
Her thumb brushed absentmindedly over the inside of Jayna's wrist.
Not performative.
Not dramatic.
Just instinct.
Jayna softened visibly under the touch.
And Mable saw it.
Saw the way Jayna's shoulders relaxed.
Saw the way Ginny leaned in without thinking.
Saw the way they forgot she was even there.
Ah.
So this is not a game anymore.
Jayna cleared her throat, slightly flustered. "I'm okay, Gin."
Ginny exhaled but didn't pull away immediately.
Then she realized.
And slowly let go.
Mable set her cup down.
Carefully.
"I'll get another napkin," Jayna said suddenly, standing — giving them space without realizing it.
The moment she walked away, Mable spoke.
Her tone was no longer icy.
It was measured.
"You care about her."
Not a question.
Ginny didn't deflect this time.
"Yes," she said quietly.
Mable studied her face.
"And are you going to run again?"
That one landed.
Ginny's jaw tightened.
"I didn't run," she said softly. "I panicked."
"That's not better."
"I know."
There was no defensiveness in her voice now.
Just truth.
Mable leaned back slightly.
"At the reunion," she said, "I thought you were reckless."
Ginny huffed faintly. "Fair."
"But now," Mable continued, "I think you're afraid."
Ginny didn't deny it.
Because she was.
Afraid that if this stopped being fake, it would become fragile.
Afraid that if she chose Jayna for real, she could lose her for real.
Afraid that history would repeat.
Mable's voice softened — just a fraction.
"She waited a long time to stop being hurt by you."
Ginny's chest tightened painfully.
"And now?" she asked.
Mable's gaze was steady.
"Now she's trying again."
Silence stretched.
Heavy.
Real.
Ginny swallowed.
"I'm not playing with her," she said. "I don't know what this is yet. But it's not a joke to me."
Mable watched her carefully.
Judging.
Weighing.
Then finally—
She nodded once.
Small.
Controlled.
"Good."
Ginny blinked. "That's it?"
Mable lifted her cup again.
"That's it."
Then, softer — deliberate:
"Don't hurt her."
The words weren't sharp like before.
They weren't a threat.
They were protective.
And vulnerable.
Ginny held her gaze.
"I won't," she said.
Mable studied her one last time.
"And if you do," she added calmly, "I will choose violence."
Ginny laughed despite herself.
"I believe you."
Jayna returned, oblivious to the shift that had just occurred.
"What did I miss?"
"Nothing," Mable and Ginny said at the same time.
Jayna narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
But Ginny reached for her hand again — casually this time.
And didn't let go.
Mable noticed.
And for the first time since this ridiculous fake engagement began—
She didn't look concerned.
She looked cautiously hopeful.