Claire: So, this... marriage is to be kept under the wraps or made public?
She asks me while I sip my coffee.
Ashton: For now, we're not making it public so don't write anything about this in your magazine.
Claire: Oh, okay. But, this is a sudden blow, isn't it?
Ashton: What?
Claire: In the first interview session, you avoided making your relationship status public and had just come here. I was under the impression that you were single at the moment. Now, it turns out that you had a fiancee of your own.
I didn't know it too. I could come clean about the real situation to her but, what's the point? I'm married, she's engaged and that's it.
Ashton: I see.
Claire: So, what's married life like?
... Of course she's asking me that. After being engaged for so long, her and Troy's wedding must be around the corner. She says that she loves him but does she know what Troy thinks of her?
Back to her question, when I really think about it, 7 years ago, Kate and I almost had a live-in relationship so this cohabitation now doesn't seem very intimidating to me. The only things that have changed are her attitude and our new title. I would've even have thought that I'll be marrying her back then.
Ashton: For me, it's same as a live-in relationship till now.
Claire:... You must've dated for a long time then.
Ashton: I suppose so. How about you though?
Afraid of spilling the truth, I change the topic a little.
Claire: Huh? We... are planning the wedding.
They are? That's.. good for her.
Ashton: That's great.
Claire: So... who's this secret wife of yours?
Ashton: Ah, she's-
*Ding!*
I'm about to tell her about Kate when my phone gets a text. However, before I get the time to read the message, I notice the time. Yikes! There's only fifteen minutes left!
Ashton: I've got to get going.
Claire: Huh?
I ask the waitress for the bill and am about to pay for it when Claire puts her hand on mine to stop me.
Ashton:..?
Claire: Wait, I'm paying for my half.
This conversation again; she used to do this all those years ago and she's doing it now. I guess this is one of the only things that hasn't changed about her.
Ashton: There's no need, really.
Claire: But-
Ashton: How about I pay for this and you treat me another time?
Her eyes go wide slightly when I say this. I know I'm using this as a reason to meet her again but, I don't want this to be the last time we can talk freely like this. It's not like we're doing anything wrong.. right?
Claire: There's going to be an 'another time'?
Ashton: If you want.
I quickly put the money on the table along with the waitress' tip. I walk out the door and Claire catches up.
Claire: Wait!
Ashton: Hm?
I turn to look at her but she turns her face away.
Claire: Do you mean it?
Ashton: Mean what?
Claire: Our... next meeting.
Ashton: Oh.
I had partially said that because I was in a rush but..
Ashton: Yeah. It's a small city, we might run into each other again.
Claire: Okay.... I'll see you then.
She smiles slightly and turns to leave. That smile was probably just a formality but now, I somehow don't want her to go.
I immediately reach my hand to hold hers but stop myself before it touches her. What the hell am I doing?! I quickly pull my hand back and call my driver.
This isn't like the old times, I can't just hold her hand or even touch her whenever I want. Plus, I'm not single either. I've always despised cheaters, I don't to be one to Kate in any which way.
I ball my fists and the car pulls up in front of me. I step inside aware of several eyes staring at me and nervously wait to arrive at my next destination....