Imagining Us

Ch. 36- Between each word is a hidden story

She didn't care.

Esi didn't care that the man was cold towards her. That the woman's eyes bore into her, assessing her every move.

At least that was what she told herself.

She didn't care that she could sense the tension between Luke and his father. Although, it was a cause for concern that she would've liked to privately address with Luke.

That Porte wasn't there.

The unbidden thought slipped through.

Nothing mattered except the food that was in her mouth right now. She should've known from the time that she saw Delphine that the food would be great.

That the food would've been seasoned!

She side-glanced at Mr.Turner who sat next to her–eating enthusiastically. For someone who seemed to have a bit of an attitude when Delphine was mentioned, Esi was sure his table manners were the only thing stopping him from licking his plate.

"So Miss Solomon..." She was mid-chew when Mr. Danvers' addressed her. "Or do you prefer Elizabeth?

Esi looked at him. For some reason, she doubted that Luke had spoken to his father about her. It was as if he wanted her to know that he knew who she was.

"I actually prefer Esi," she said. "For family and friends...but you may call me Elizabeth if you wish."

"Which part of England are you from, Esi?" he asked.

It should have rubbed her the wrong way–his deliberacy–, but she saw Porte when he spoke.

The control. The provocation.

"London."

"What part of London?"

She a sneaking suspicion that he already knew.

"North London," she answered. Esi didn't feel the need to be anymore specific than that.

"If you don't mind me asking, Mr. Danvers, what part of England are you from?" She countered. Her mum would've been disappointed with her tone, but she felt as if she was under a microscope.

She didn't miss the slight narrowing of his eyes.

"West," he answered, as vague as she was.

Touche.

This was not the impression that she wanted to make, but she felt as if she was playing defense with this man.

He dabbed his napkin at the corner of his mouth, painstakingly slow.

"How did you two meet?" he gestured between her and Luka.

There was genuine curiosity in his voice–like that was the one information that he didn't have on her.
Esi glanced up at Luke quickly. He wore such an impassive look that was so unlike him , and she just wanted to see his smile again.

"We had the same class," she started. "There were no other seats, and I was all but forced to sit next to him." She threw a small smile to Luke.

Luke scoffed and leaned forward. "Please...you practically begged me."

"You know, Luka...I'm starting to realize how selective your memory is," she taunted. "Should we tell them about the class presentation?"

His cheeks began to pinken.

"You wouldn't dare."

Esi raised a brow and smirked. "Wouldn't I?"

The corners of his mouth twitched upwards, not quite a full blown smile, but certainly better than before.