A Break Apart

CHAPTER 48. Sealed

William pulled out my chair for me to sit.

"Thanks." I smiled at him. He returned a sweeter smile and walked over to take a seat across me.

"So, what do we order?" he asked, after settling in his chair.

"Uhm... let's see..." I picked up the menu and ran my eyes through it. "Strawberry smoothie will do," I said and put the card back on the table. "What about you?" I asked.

"Did your memory get shorter or what? I said we." He spoke in an amused tone, making me laugh and blush all at once.

"Good you agree that I have a better taste than you."

"Didn't say so. I'm only giving you the benefit of the doubt."

I was short of a comeback and frowned at my defeat, and his victory, and while he laughed, a waiter appeared at our table.

"Welcome to Sweet Treat. What can I get you guys?" the waiter asked, and William beckoned the tall guy to himself. The waiter bent closer, and William whispered our order in his ear. A smile grew on the waiter's face as he listened, and then he nodded and walked away. William adjusted in his seat, like one who had just signed a business contract and was trying to be discreet about it.

"Uh, what's going on?" I asked with a little chuckle, confused, because he had taken long to call out the simple order, and their demeanor had looked fishy.

He shrugged. "Nothing."

"You're really something," I said, laughing, and he just watched me with a smile, which gradually transitioned into a mesmerised gaze that infused with the soft melody of the piano playing in the background of the fine restaurant.

"You may want to take a picture, they say it lasts longer," I teased, when I could no longer handle the heat that was steaming out of his eyes.

He broke into laughter, leaning forward and perching his arms on the table. "Have any idea how many beautiful images of you this natural lenses," he gestured at his eyes, "have captured?"

I smiled. "As many as mine?"

"Eh..." He mock cringed, processing his thought with a slight shake of his fingers. "I don't think my images are safe with you, like what if your memory gets formatted?"

I laughed at the unexpected and familiar statement. "I'll just opt for a surgical implant of an elephant's brain so you can rest."

He laughed. "You should."

I playfully rolled my eyes.

The waiter returned with our smoothies, carefully placing a cup before each of us from a tray.

"Thanks," we both said, and the waiter smiled and left.

I picked up my smoothie and took a sip from the straw of the large, transparent sippy cup.

"Hmm..." I said in satisfaction while I swallowed. It was sweet and creamy. "Have I cleared your doubt?"

William chuckled, putting his cup on the table after having a taste. "Yeah, but this only gives you a pass. You'll need to suggest more foods for us to get a distinction."

"You shouldn't be a lecturer," I said, and we both laughed.

"So, are you done packing?" I asked, then sipped my smoothie as I awaited his response.

"More than that, I'll also need to change my wardrobe."

"Are you staying that long?" I asked in wonder, hoping for a negative answer.