I Need Your Warmth (Original, English Version)

Chapter 11 - Allen Smith

We were enjoying dinner when this woman slides into the booth, sitting next to Clara.

The change in Clara's expression and demeanor is something I haven't seen before though. She talks normally to other people, but this is different. It was as if she's being suppressed by just the presence of this individual. It felt like she couldn't say anything.

"Clara, you're here. I didn't think you would be able to dine in this place." From her behavior alone, I can tell she doesn't have good intentions. It sounded mocking to me.

I may not be familiar with branded clothing, but I can tell her clothes are screaming it. She looked elegant, and yet... it was her demeanor that was off. She has this haughtiness around her. Clara's frowning as she looked at her. She turned to me, then. There's an apology written on her face. I want to ask her if she wants to go.

"I'm sorry, but this is a private dinner." I stated in a clipped tone, trying to give her a signal that she isn't welcome to barge in like that.

"Oh, it's okay. I'm Cindy, Clara's sister. Are you friends? Why don't you introduce us, Clara?" Her statement didn't exactly explain Clara's reaction to her. I can tell she's older. Clara chose not to speak.

"I'm her boyfriend." I'm not comfortable telling her my name as Clara isn't keen on making an introduction. I want to set her straight on her assumption that we're only friends, though. The way Cindy's expression changed is unsettling, even if it was only for a moment before she was smiling again. I've seen people like her. I now understand why Clara's acting this way. There's definitely hostility between them.

"Where are your manners, Clara? You wouldn't even introduce us properly? Aren't you going to introduce him to our father?" She asked in a sweetly sick tone. I can tell it's a touchy subject as Clara's expression hardened and she pursed her lips into a thin line.

I looked at Clara just in time to see her looking back at me. I think we have the same expressions. Cindy, who I presume is choosing to act ignorant, started looking at the food on the table.

Let's go?

I mouthed to Clara and she nodded as her gaze returned to her sister.

"Excuse me, I'll go to the washroom." She stated and Cindy stood up to let her out of the booth.

"Go ahead. Take your time." She replied as she eyed me. Not good.

As soon as Clara is cleared, I stood up to join her. I passed a handful of bills at the reception before we walked out the door.

Her sister was unable to say anything.

I drove us home. She was silent during the drive. When I asked about what happened, she only shook her head.

"This your place?" She perked up when we got home. I probably should have asked her, but her reaction was good so I think she didn't misunderstand.

"Feel at home. Do you still want to eat something?" I tugged her towards my kitchen and pushed her to sit near the counter. She smiled while looking around.

"What's your best dish? Can you make it?" I am glad to see her happy again. I think family is a sour subject to her so I was careful not to mention it for the rest of the night. I looked back at all the times she seemed envious whenever we talk about my siblings. There is that.

She hovered close and opened drawers and cabinets as I cooked us a simple meal.

We sat next to each other as we eat. Her appetite is back. We talked about cooking.

"Want a tour?" I asked after we cleaned up, taking her hand. She looked down at our joined hands, gracing me with another smile. I pulled her close as I showed her the rooms, wrapping an arm across her waist.