Half an hourter, Felix, Jack, and Vanessa arrived at Nancy''s apartment, where she was busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron.


    "Make yourselvesfortable," she called out. "Just two more dishes to go. Nessa, could you help entertain them?"


    The apartment was notrge, around 900 square feet. Nancy had bought it with a mortgage and help from her parents for the down payment. ording to Vanessa, Nancy was fiercely independent and wanted her own ce, leaving future marriage considerations forter.


    As a university professor, Nancy''s ie was decent enough to handle the mortgage payments. Her modest dress and lifestyle showed she was neither extremely frugal nor wasteful with money.


    "Wow! Cici, your ce is so neat and clean," Jackplimented. "Unlike our mess of an apartment."


    Vanessa immediately pinched his ear. "Oh? Comining about me? We agreed when we got together that you''re in charge of housework or we hire a housekeeper. Having second thoughts now?" Felix could not help but chuckle at their yful bickering, which clearly showed how close they were.


    Once the food was ready and everyone was seated, Nancy spoke up nervously. "My cooking might not be the best, so please don''t be too harsh," she said softly.


    Vanessa immediately jumped in. "Are you kidding? These ribs are absolutely incredible! I haven''t had them in years! We''re lucky Felix brought us here!"


    Then, she eagerly ced a piece on Felix''s te. "Try it!"


    Felix took a bite and smiled. "It''s delicious."


    Pleased with Felix''s approval, Nancy raised her ss. "Felix, everything happened so quicklyst time that I didn''t properly thank you. I can''t imagine what might have happened without your help."


    About 20 minutes into the meal, Vanessa''s phone rang. After answering, her face lit up with excitement. "What? Aunt ine''s back? That''s amazing! I''ming right now!"


    11


    Jack, mid-sip, nearly spit out his water. However, Vanessa was already pulling him up. Cici, I haven''t seen my aunt in years. I''m so sorry to rush off like this, but please continue without us!" Nancy quickly got up to see them off, "Drive safely!"


    Felix had considered leaving, too, but that would have been too impolite andpletely embarrassed Nancy. He had actually overheard Vanessa''s tant lie earlier, but since this was supposed to be thest setup attempt, he decided to let it slide. In the elevator, Jack''s expression was priceless. "Nessa,e on... Aunt ine passed away four years ago."


    Vanessa crossed her arms defiantly. "So what? She came to me in a dreamst night and said she''d visit again at 3:00 pm today in another dream. Got a problem with that?"


    "Nope! Whatever you say!" Jack conceded quickly.


    Back in the apartment, Nancy sat down with slightly flushed cheeks, clearly aware of the different atmosphere now that they were alone.


    "Could have another serving of pasta?" Felix asked. "There''s still some food left, and it would be a waste not to finish it."


    Nancy beamed, taking it as apliment to her cooking. "Of course! I''ll get it for you."


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Felix stood up to answer it. "Must be those two forgetting something in their rush." Nancy froze. She called out in rm, "Don''t open the door!"