RC.

Ch6 ............. M

We take a seat at a table.

Mark:"It's very nice here."

T:"There are so many great restaurants in New York ... I think I'm in love with this city just for that!"

(And also for its young ultra sexy CEOs ...)

Mark:"I understand you like good food ..."

T:"Yes ... I could even call it a passion!"

Mark:"It's good..."

T:"Do you have a passion? Outside work I mean ..."

Mark:"Not really ... I leave it to those who have the time!"

I look at Mark almost tenderly. He's one of those men who lets time pass by and wakes up one morning, wondering what the meaning of their life was.

The waiter brings us the menus, while Mark looks at something on his phone. I see him frown.

His emerald eyes rest back on me, puzzled.

Mark:"Excuse me, I have to make a call."

T:"Go for it..."

I see him get up and get out of the restaurant. Through the glass, I watch him pacing back and forth, nervously running a hand through his hair.

I stare at the menu sighing ... It's great to go to the restaurant and be alone with a menu.

When he finally comes back, he stares at me, looking embarrassed.

I can just sense that he's gonna kindly leave me here, alone  with my menu and my tapas.

Mark:"I ... I'm sorry ... I have to go to the hospital ..."

He stares down at his phone. I feel he's sincerely sorry about it.

T:"The hospital ?! My God, is everything okay ?!"

Mark:"Yes ... It's just ... I'm really sorry ... I really have to go ..."

T:"Don't worry about me !"

He gives me a grateful smile. Obviously, he's relieved to see that I'm not taking it badly.

Mark:"Can I get you a taxi?"

T:"No, it's nice of you, but I'll eat here and walk home."

Mark:"I'm really sorry..."

T:"It's nothing. Are you sure everything's okay?"

Mark:"Yes."

He gives me one last shy smile, then turns and quickly walks away.

I hope it's nothing serious ... Maybe he has a sick relative? His mother or father ...?

I look at the other customers, jaded. Meanwhile, tonight, I'm gonna have a
head-to-head with myself! Youhou!