Insane

Fish and Chips

Sunday 4:49 p.m.

Chloe waits for Damien in front of the coffee shop on 14th street by the A train. The weather is just as beautiful as it was yesterday, with the sun shining brightly and a slight summer breeze gently blowing her hair.

She stands there in a loose black T-shirt tucked under the short denim skirt and white sneakers. She left her hair in it's naturally straight state and accessorized the outfit with a few rings and her black YSL bag.

Looking at the clock on her phone, which reads 5:00 p.m., Chloe decides to send Damien a text to let him know she's already there.

Just as she unlocks her phone and begins typing, she feels a light tap on her left shoulder. She instantly turns her head to find Damien.

He's not in his usual suits and work clothes. Instead, he is wearing navy blue trousers paired with a white dress shirt. The rolled up sleeves and undone top button exposed parts of his biceps and defined chest. He looks different... he looks hot.

"Hey. Did I make you wait too long?" Damien asks, in his usual husky voice.

"No, no. I actually just got here a minute ago," Chloe says with a small laugh, trying to conceal the fact that seeing him makes her heart race and her mind goes blank. Looking away from his grey eyes and pretending to look around the streets, she asks, "So, where is this mysterious place you were talking about?"

Gesturing ahead, he says "Right this way."

They walk in silence for a few minutes, turning corners until they reach a quiet street with big trees towering over each house. There are very few people and bird noises above their heads, making it feel serene.

"Are we almost there?" Chloe asks, looking up at him. He seems even taller now that she's wearing sneakers.

"A little impatient, are we?" he teases, with the slightest smile tugging at his lips.

Chloe feels her heart skip a beat. It was the first time she saw him smile. And boy was it beautiful.

Ah! Why does this keep happening to me? Get it together Chloe.

"Here it is," Damien says as they make one last turn and reach a tiny restaurant.

"A Salt and Battery," Chloe reads the name out loud.

"I discovered this place shortly after I moved here. Whenever I miss home, I come here." Damien opens the door and holds it for her to walk in.

As Chloe steps inside, she observes the interior details. It's a very small but cozy place with seatings for just a few people. The menu isn't as extensive as she is used to seeing at other restaurants she visits, but he is right. It does have a homey feel to it.

She is a little surprised that someone as wealthy as him would not only know a small unpopular place like this, but also visit it often.

"It's nice," she comments, looking back at him.

"What would you like to order, ma'am?"
Chloe is taken back by the accent of the man at the register.

Is everyone who works here British?

"Uh," Chloe says, scanning the menu on the wall. "What do you recommend?" she asks, looking to Damien.

"Everything is fantastic but my personal favorite is the Fish Combo."

"I guess I'll go with that then," she says turning back to the cashier. "With a side of chips." She smiles saying the last word as she hasn't used it in so long. Everyone here calls them French fries. She never understood why but goes along with it.

"And for you, sir?"

After ordering, Chloe and Damien sit at the high bench against the wall, as the seats near the windows are taken.

Chloe quickly glances at the mirror attached to their side of the wall and lightly fixes her hair. When she is done, she catches Damien looking at her in the mirror and blushes.

What's wrong with you, Chloe? He is just your dad's business partner. You are here to help them form a better bond. So what if he's a bit good looking?

Damien clears his throat and asks, "How are you liking your new position?"

Chloe looks at him confused but realizes he is asking about her job. "Oh, it's great. I've always loved it there, good people, amazing clients. Never a dull moment," she says smiling. "How about you? How is it being the founder of such a successful company at a young age?"

"Still got a long way to go," he says, suddenly still in his place and looking at her intensely. "Have lots of unfinished work that I intend to take care of in the near future."

And whatever that means...

"Here's your order," the man at the register says placing the trays on the counter and calling for them.

"I'll get it," Damien says, getting up from his seat and walking to the register.

Chloe realizes what's happening as he takes out money from his wallet and pays for the both of them.

Oh, no no no. This isn't supposed to feel like a date.

Damien walks back and places her food in front of her before taking a seat.

Chloe decides not to say anything in regards to him paying on her behalf, just so she doesn't make things awkward.

"Mmm... this smells amazing," Chloe says inhaling the scent of the smoking fish bites and chips in front of her.

"It tastes even better," Damien says with a slight smirk on his face, taking a bite of his and looking right at her.

Suddenly the temperature in the room rises and Chloe shifts in her seat.