Luke’s heart sank.

Dexie had averted her eyes and attention from Luke and redirected them to Ella. She said, “This place is very popular. Come in. Put our names on it. I need to use the bathroom.”

It was New Year’s Day. People flocked to the mall during their vacation. Plus, it was almost dinnertime. More and more people were looking for places to eat.

The new restaurant was among the mall’s most popular destinations, especially at that hour. In just a few minutes, a huge line of ...