Meanwhile, Holden took in Ariana's relaxed demeanor as he ate.

Inwardly, he was thinking about his plan.

He was plotting the right moment to approach the brewing storm, once her defenses were down.

The dinner concluded quietly, their silence filled with unspoken thoughts of the love-variety show that neither addressed.

Afterward, as Ariana was about to leave with Melon, Holden grabbed her hand to stop her, his eyes mirroring his discomfort. "My headache persists. Are you really going to leave me here?" he said.