Claire's POV;
''Don't forget what I said, chickening out is not an option, you got that?''
''You never know, Claire, something might come up but I promise to try.'' Leni's tone was low and drawn out, silently begging Claire to leave it at that.
''That won't do. You still have to come no matter what.'' She swung Leni's arms. There was no end to her shameless pestring as long as she gets what she wants.
''There you go again! When I let you have your way you get carried away. Look here Barbie, when I say no, it's a no, when I say yes, it's a yes, and when I say maybe, then it can't be helped.''
Claire gave her a pouty look but her partner completely ignored it.
Leni untangled her arm from her grips when the bus arrived. ''Off you go or you'll miss the bus.''
''But it doesn't leave until the next five minutes. We can still talk while it's filling up.'' Claire hugged Leni's arm again urging here to wait along with her.
Leni rolled her eyes. ''That doesn't make sense! The seats would've been taken by then. I don't get this logic of yours.'' Even though she thought it was silly, she no longer argued the fact and just went with the flow. They stood there at the bus stop right in front of the bus while other people hurried in. Until the very last minute, Claire hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then fled to the bus just before the door slammed shut. She waved at Leni with an obviously wide grin as the bus pulled away, while she stood there with a faint smile as the bus disappeared from view.
If her calculation was correct, Claire would be home at most in thirteen minute time. She looked up at the sky and sighed. An hour and forty-five minute ride awaits her beore she could reach to the confort of her apartment.
Was it worth it?
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Claire stepped out of the cab into the cool night, clutching her bold red fur jacket as she walked toward the entrance. Her black dress flowing behind her.
The back door of a crimson sedan opened, and a person in a suit got out. She stopped when she realized who it was and took a deep breath before walking toward him. His gaze was fixed on her as she approached. She walked into his open arms and gave him a quick hug. ''Have you been waiting long?''
He wrapped his arms tightly around her. ''No, I just got here.''
She pulled back and looked up at him and met his warm gaze.
Her cheeks were cupped by two large palms. ''I missed you.'' It wasn't meant to be said back. He just wanted to put it out there for her to hear.
Her lips curled into a small smile, and that caught his attention. His gaze traveled over her full, smoky lips, back to her eyes, and then back to her lips.
When they were together, she rarely wore such heavy coated lipstick. After a moment, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, and that made her eyes flutter as heat rose to her cheeks.
His hand slid to her waist, bringing their bodies closer. ''Let's go inside, it's chilly out here.''
She smiled at him in response and they both walked into a small asia restaurant while his car continued to drive to the parking space provided.
The only source of light was a dark blue bulb, making the atmosphere quite gloomy rather than bright. Only a few people were at the tables. It felt exactly like in the quarantine of the covids, where social distance had to be maintained.
He led her to the table number he had reserved for them, first pulling a seat for her before taking his while she removed her fur-trimmed jacket, exposing her black slit corset underneath. She carefully placed it on her armrest before sitting down.
Her companion couldn't take his eyes off her at the amount of skin that was exposed. She kept her gaze lowered not aknowledging the attention.
''You look beautiful tonight.''
She gave him a sidelong glance. ''Bullshit! Is there a time when I don't?''
''Of course not. Don't twist my words.'' He's eyes were giving off the vibe of an honest man who made it his life mission to never lie to a lady.
He reached out for her hand while still looking at her as he pressed his lips to the back of her hand. ''I missed you awfully a lot. Is there a reason we have to eat out or do you have something else in mind. You know I could've easily drop by.'' His tone has gone deeper and Claire felt like kicking herself at how fast she understood what he was suggesting.
A lady dressed in a formal black and white attaire brought their wine, opened it right at their presence and poured the transparent liquid in their glasses before taking her leave. The interuption gave her a moment to gain her composure.
If he keeps this up, I won't be able to walk away.
Claire gently slapped his hand off. ''Will you get yourself together. Can't we go on a date once in a while? And besides It's only being a week.''
He gave her a questioning brow. ''Are you saying you didn't miss me?''
She didn't say anything to that bur rather tried to engage him in another topic. ''I'm assuming your trip went well, right?'' She said gesturing to their wines.
His lips rose to a grin. ''Yes, it was indeed productive but I would rather celebrate it in a more suited way'' He winked.
Her eyes popped out and again she felt like kicking herself for soiling her mind. She gave him a hard stare. ''Do you want to have this toast or not?'' Her words didn't stutter nor did she show any sign of embarrassment. Although her cheeks that were now beet red did have her away.
The guy in front of her knew his tease were doing quite a number on her. The bottom line was to keep it minimal and not too vulgar, but his girl sure have gotten used to his playful bait. His intention was to loosen her up a bit but he can let her off the hook for now.
They tossed to his success. Claire quietly sipped hers, trying her best to make less movenment under his gaze. He wasn't being discreet about it and the bitter truth was that it was hard to ignore. It was as if her skin had eyes and could detect his gaze even without her looking up. It felt like he was caressing her but with his eyes.
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''Do you want to have your balls on a plate?'' She said with a tight smile on her lips and eyes squinting.
He cliked his tongue, ''It depends on which balls you're referring to.'' His smirk rose as he watched her now surprised face. ''Either ways I doubt I would object.'' He added before taking a sip of his wine while waiting to see what she does next.
Her eyes blinked as if a stray lash fell into them with her lips gasped open. If she didn't know him too well she would've blamed her dirty mind but she knew she wasn't the problem here. He was purposely twisting her words to his amusement.
Her lips streched into a wide smile, her teeth all in display. It looked just as scary as a joker, especially with the dark shade of her lipstick making her look like an evil hex. ''Twist my words one more time and I will really have your balls on a plate. All four of them.''
He chocked on his drink but she didn't seem the least concerned. He really did pushed her buttons this time. His face really looked in pain like someone witnessing a horrofic scene. ''Don't say... that to... a man. It does more damage than you can imagine.''
She shrugged in reply while swirling her drink.
''You enjoy seeing me in pain, don't you? Hmm?'' He said it as a joke to get her to give a snarky reply.
But she shruged yet again keeping her thoughts to herself. She sneaked a peek at him, he looked as pefect as always but why does it feel far away and out of reach. No matter how much she convinced herself it never felt realistic.
''Something on your mind?'' He noticed that she wasn't her usual chatty and pestering self. At first he blamed it on their days apart, that was why he tried to lighten up the mood at every chance he got but right now it didn't seem like the case.
He wringled his eyebrow in a funny way. ''Did you change your mind again? If that's so I won't make fun of you. I can tell Chadd to make the changes. As long as you're happy and we get to have fun. I don't mind where we spend the holiday.''
It dawned to her how her decision was going to change what they had together. Her face paled. ''I... uhh, it's not that.'' She could feel the her gut tightening.
Am I being selfish?
''Why do you have that look all of a sudden? Did I say something wrong?
Her hand stilled for a moment before placing her glass on the table. She plastered a smile on her lips. ''What makes you think that?''
''You tell me.'' He maintained the eye contact.
She bit the corner of her lower lips and lowered her gaze and mumbled, ''I have nothing to say.''
He tapped his fingers on the table, ''You expect me to buy that? I've been playing along but I can't keep pretending. This is unlike you, Claire. You clearly have been acting distance tonight and I don't know why unless you tell...''
A bitter laugh escaped her lips interupting him. ''You don't know? Theo, look me in the eyes and say that again.''
His brows furowed. She was giving him the attitude, only this time her face didn't have that nasty look but an irritated one. He reached for her hand but she withdrew it.
''I have a guess but I might be wrong... I'm clueless here, you...''
She held her head high. ''Forget it. We came for dinner so why don't we do just that. What did you order for us.'' Her lips was stretched in a sweet smile while having that look in the eyes that suggest another.
His lips thined. ''Why are you always like this?''
He sighed when he didn't get any reply, then loosened his tie as leaned back on his chair. '' well, I went with the usual. Sushi with no salami but well steamed crab, advacodo and sesame wrapped in dried seeweed.'' He explained with a smile.
Her lips pursed like she does whenever she was trying to think. ''I'm not very hungry. I will go with a light soup, a cabbage soup.'' A mischiveouse grin was evident on her lips.
Theo opened his mouth to say something but then changed his mind and gave her a small nod. He appeared calm but undeneath he was conflicted on how to handle the situation.
He pressed the orange button on their table and the waitress from before came to take their orders. Just like earlier she didn't say anything only stood there with a smile on her lips expecting to be told to bring their main dish or dessert.
''I would like to change my order. Is there a chance you could get us a bowl of cabbage soup.'' The waitress tilted her head a bit with a frown but her perfect smile was still on her lips
'' .. or any light soup.'' He added briefly glancing at Claire to see if it was okay with her.
She responded with a smile.
''But I'll be sticking with my order only hers should be changed.''
The waitress blinked a few times before taking her leave without any respond.
''That's something.'' Claire commented. She could see that Theo wasn't use to such situation.
Theo findled his neck while staring at the devlish woman seating before him. Changing the orders was almost impossible here and she knew that. He was the one that invited her here so he would gladly take up the challenge.
''I have to make a quick call.'' Claire smiled and sipped her wine. Just as he left her smile fell. She couldn't careless about the soup. She only did that to her entertainment. But apparantly it didn't make her feel better in the least. She gulped down her drink and filled it up again. That halloow feeling was slowly creeping in.
Theo came back but unlike before he was much calmer. Claire tilted her head to the side. ''You called Chadd to the rescue?''
And surprisingly enough his cheek tinted with a bit of colour. Claire couldn't hold her laugh. The man sitting before her was like an open book whenever he was embarrased.
If only he could be like this all the time.
Theo didn't miss her gaze. He knew she was making fun of him but that was his Claire afterall. Her laugh just now was the only genuine one tonight. He smiled, enjoying the view. Having this mischievous woman by his side has been the best thing so far.
Shortly after, a male personel came approached their table. With the white apron tied to his waist it was clear he works in the kitchen.
''I was informed that this table has a problem with their order. So, what can I do to help?''
''I would've to trouble you to change her main course to a cabagge soup. That would be all.''
''I seee! Any other adjustment?'' Claire could see that behind his smile that he was cursing him so she butted in.
''Yes. I would like my soup spicier and the broccoli should be half cooked and if possible few rosemary leaves. Wait, I would prefere if the zucchini were roasted together with the tomatoes and ... and uhh that would be all.'' She couldn't think of anything else.
Her smile was as bright as the sun. It was easy to believe that she was making an innocent request but the young cook could see through it.
''You would have to wait a very long time so be patient with us as we prepare it as you.''
He turned to her partner. ''Should we serve your order right away.''
''No, that would be fine. I'll have mine when she's having hers.'' Theo said with a smile.
''Like that fact isn't obvious enough.'' She butted in yet again.
''Very well then.'' The cook nodded and left but not before giving her a hard stare.
''Was that neccessary?''
Claire raised her eyebrow feigning innocent. ''What? You say it like I did anything wrong.''
A subtle smile was spotting at the conner of his lips. ''You know I don't mind, even if you're the bad guy. You're still my Claire.''
His words and the way he was siezing her up was enough to make her swallow. She was speechless. Her brain was dead for those seconds to even respond to him. She was looking at him like a fish in water. The moment he chuckled at her reaction she was able to snap out of her daze and looked away.
''Excuse me, I'll be right back.'' She said as she stood up with her mini purse clutched in hand.
His eyes followed her as she made her way to the hallway that led to the restroom. His once soft expression was gone. There was no longer a trace of warmth in his eyes; they had taken on a darker hue.
could this be dread?
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