SIXTY THREE

ELLA'S POV

"Ella?" Ryan's voice was laced with shock as our eyes met across the restaurant. "What are you doing here?"

I blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of the awkward situation. "I...really don't know."

Ryan turned his questioning gaze to Mom, who was beaming from ear to ear. "Is she your daughter?"

"Yes, she is!" Mom clasped her hands together. "And I see you two already know each other. This is going to be even easier than I thought."

Easier? My brows furrowed in confusion as the pieces slowly clicked into place. "Wait...what's going to be easy?"

She waved a hand. "Oh, there won't be any need for introductions or awkward getting-to-know-you conversations. You're already acquainted - the perfect match!"

My jaw dropped as I finally grasped what she was implying. Was my own mother...setting me up on a date? With Ryan?

Ryan seemed to connect the dots as well, because his head whipped towards me with raised brows. "But I thought you had a boyfriend?"

Oh god, someone was definitel