But Ian interrupted, "No need to bother with that. Only a few dishes are available in this place. I've ordered for us. She'll bring it out soon."

"Okay... Got it."

Julie set the menu aside, growing more convinced that Ian and the woman knew each other well. How else could he be so familiar with this place?

Suddenly, laughter rang out.

As Julie had been engrossed in her thoughts while holding the menu, the woman approached them with a tray.

The woman placed two coffees and some desserts on the table before sitting next to Ian. In a bold move, she playfully draped her arm around his neck.

"No shit!" Julie exclaimed in her heart, ready to escape this absurd date.

Before she could bid farewell, she noticed the woman's gaze on her, admiring and devoid of jealousy. Julie was puzzled.

“Hey, Tonya!" Then, Ian firmly removed the woman's arm.

The way he scolded the woman was like an elder brother teaching his naughty sister a lesson. They were not getting any younger, though.

“Julie, meet my sister, Tonya Navarro. She's a vice professor at Broome University's School of Literature, overseeing literature courses."

Julie's surprise was evident. This woman was his sister?

But why was a university vice professor running a coffee shop?

Perceptive as Ian was, he noticed the doubts in Julie's eyes and gently explained, "Some university professors have it easy, you know.

Especially Tonya, she's pretty laid back. Only does the basics in teaching. That's how she finds time to run this café."

Julie teased, "Really? You're talking about your sister like that?"

Tonya, rolling her eyes at Ian yet greeting Julie warmly, chimed in, “Hey there, Julie. I heard my brother's got a crush on you. Can't wait for you to be part of our family.”

"Thank you... Wait, what?" Julie stuttered, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

Before Julie could say anymore, Tonya was already up and dashing toward the counter, narrowly escaping Ian's playful swipe.

Missing his target, Ian sighed.

"Apologies, Julie. My sister's a bit over the top. Maybe that's why she's still single.”

From behind the counter, Tonya's voice rang out defiantly, “Hey! I'm single because I haven't found Mr. Right, not because of any fault of mine. And what about you, Ian? Think you can win Julie's heart?"

Her laughter echoed from her hiding spot, filling the room with a lighthearted mood.

The air felt a bit tense between Julie and Ian without Tonya's presence.