Morning Bus Rides

4th Stop-The Second Glance

True to his word, Leo met up with Dana on a Tuesday the next week. Since it was her vacant from school, she told him to see her at a nearby Italian restaurant. It wasn't that far from Leo's office building, and Dana also happened to be working in the same area. Tuesday meant that it was her shift working in a bookshop as an inventory staff.

Leo saw Dana standing near the restaurant door the moment he walked up there. Her smile felt like a ray of sunshine the moment he laid eyes on her. She was dressed in a bookshop's uniform of white blouse and a navy blue skirt. "You're not late yet," she teased him.

"I made it a point to have clocked out earlier than usual," Leo replied. "Let's go in." 

They entered the restaurant together and were instantly seated at a table for two. The waiter handed them a menu each, and then they gave their orders. While waiting, Leo and Dana went on with their usual friendly discussion. 

"How's your job in the bookshop?" Leo asked her.

"It's not that stressful," Dana replied. "I'm tasked with doing inventories of stocks. Though I only do it once a week, it can eat up my whole day. Yet it's a pretty small bookshop, unlike the mainstream ones. And the pay's just right for me."

The waiter came up with their orders. They continued with their conversation as they ate their lunch.

"I like this tuna pasta," Dana commented, enjoying her lunch. "Thanks for bringing me here."

"Is this your first time?" Leo asked.

"In this place? Yes."

"No, I mean being out with a gorgeous man like me?" he kidded, the side of his lip curling into a grin.

Dana placed down her fork and shot a warning look at Leo. "Don't be so cocky. I don't even consider us dating," she said, trying to look serious. Leo couldn't help but laugh at her. 

"Relax, I was just joking," he told her. "Stop pouting, it doesn't look good on you."

Dana took a bite of her meal and gulped it down with water. "I've been in situations like this before," she said. "I did went out on dates like eating out, but I never ended up with any of those guys."

"So you've never had a boyfriend?" Leo asked curiously.

"What do you think?" she asked, taunting.

"Why... I never thought..." How can a sweet and charming girl like her not have a boyfriend? Leo was astonished at this new fact about her.

"To be honest, I wasn't the dating type, even up to now," Dana revealed. "I never liked any of the guys who dated and liked me. I can't find someone I really like. I'd rather work and study," she said matter-of-factly. "But with the boyfriend thing, we'll get there."

"With me?" Leo asked kiddingly. She replied by playfully hitting his head. "Stop getting ideas!" she exclaimed, laughing. Leo can't help but laugh in return. Her company was more enjoyable when they're not on a bus ride.

"That's why they sent me here," Dana continued. "After high school graduation, I decided to work on the farm as a horse caretaker. Then I got a part-time job at a convenience store. I was able to save up. Then this year, my aunt and uncle suggested that I go to college here. I gave it a go. Who knows, I might like it." Her eyes trailed away, as if thinking about her decision until now.

"You're still young. You're meant to go places and not just stay in your hometown forever," Leo advised her.

"It's the same thing they told me," Dana said. "I guess I'm liking it here, after all. I hope I'll become an agricultural expert four years from now. It's what I'm taking up."

They went on until they finished their meal without another word. Dana and Leo stood up and left afterwards.

"I'll go on my way now," Dana said. "Thanks for the treat," she said smilingly.

"See you tomorrow morning," Leo reminded her.

They parted and went separate ways. But Leo couldn't help the urge to look back. He looked over his shoulder and called out. "Dana!"

She wasn't that far yet, and surely heard him. "Yes?" she asked, looking back at him as she stopped in her tracks.

He only stared at her. What was it he wanted to say? It was a fleeting thought that slipped from his mind as fast as the moment he thought about it.

"Did I dropped my hair pin or something?" Dana asked, fumbling her hair.

"No," Leo answered. "Just... take care." He smiled at her.

"You too," she answered, smiling. She went off and didn't look back again.

Leo only stood in his spot and felt dumb about himself. What was that thought again?

If you've never had a boyfriend, can I be...

No. You can't, Leo.

He walked back to his office, hoping the distance will ease that gnawing thought in his head.

(TBC)