Evan felt disturbed as he saw the notebook lying open on the table between him and the lady. He felt beads of sweat materialize on his forehead as he gulped. His eyes were stuck on the notebook, his mind estimating how many pages symbolized the difference between possible shame and relief.
About three pages more and my ego will be entirely deflated. Why have you been too amazed Evan?
Fidgeting, Evan looked around the café for potential excuses. He became fully aware that they were inside a coffee shop. A place where people who haven’t met for a long time would come together. Or in his case, a place where strangers’ paths cross and eventually, change the courses of their lives.
An idea quickly came to his mind.
He raised his right hand, signaling the café’s crew to come near their table.
Gina walked towards them. She removed a notepad and a pen from her apron’s pocket.
“What shall I get for you Sir, Ma’am?” she spoke, her suspecting glances shifting between the customers.
Caddie was shocked by his gesture. Was Evan really ordering food? Now? Right after they caused a scene?
This robot is crazy!
“Hmm. What do you want to eat?” Evan asked, his tone screaming sarcasm.
Caddie wanted to get back at him, but she chose to play it safe. Gina’s eyes were radiating pending annoyance, and Caddie didn’t want to mess that up. She shrugged in reply.
Evan tried to hide a feeling of pleasure regarding his plan by smiling. “We’ll just have water then. We’ll just order when we’re ready.”
“I’ll be back with your request then Sir.” Gina replied, a practiced smile painted on her face.
As soon as Gina stepped away from the table, Caddie retorted, “Are you, by any chance, really trying to put me in a difficult position?”
Evan kept quiet. Silence is the key Evan. He shrugged.
Caddie felt really annoyed, but she controlled her temper as she saw Gina walking towards their table, a tray with two glasses of water on her hands.
“Here’s your request Sir. Call our attention if you’re ready to order.”
“Sure will.”
Caddie rolled her eyes at Evan’s pretentious smile.
“You really are something huh? Did I just ruin a date of yours?”
Evan was startled, “Huh?”
“Did I, by any unfortunate chance… ruin your date?” She asked again.
He shook his head, not knowing how else to react to her question.
Focus Evan. Think about how you’ll retrieve that notebook of yours. Evan wished for the lady’s eyes to focus somewhere else because he could not think straight. Her stare made him feel very troubled. He was certain that her question was a diversion of her scheme. He couldn’t let her see the drawing.
He just couldn’t.
Caddie felt guilty for the reason Evan was not saying. She made a huge decision to make up for her rudeness and negativity.
“Here’s your notebook by the way. I’m sorry for being such an unmanageable stranger.” Caddie spoke, as she closed the notebook, and pushed it across the table.
Wait. What just happened?
Out of impulse, Evan replied, “Are you really giving it back?”
