I'm so pathetic, this is all I can do...
Claire: What are thinking about?
Claire's voice brings me back to reality.
Ashton: Huh? Oh, nothing much, just trying to remember my schedule.
I obviously can't tell her what I'm actually thinking about.
Claire: Oh, are you busy? If so, then-
Ashton: I've got nothing planned until 4 this afternoon so, it's fine.
Claire: Um, okay then.
I already know what she was going to suggest, but I've already made my mind to reduce our interactions. This is why I don't want to extend this meeting till a later date.
However, I still can't stop myself from asking her the question that has been bothering me all the while.
Ashton: If you don't mind me asking, who... did you meet when you dropped by my house 8 years ago?
Her shoulders flitch when I ask her this.
Claire:... Why do you ask?
Why is she speaking with a shaky voice? Is there anything more to that incident?
Leah told me that it was her who Claire met and asked for money. However, there's obviously more to that incident.
Leah won't open her mouth, but Claire might.
Ashton: Nothing much, I was just curious.
Claire: It's all in the past, there's no point thinking about it.
She says bluntly. What did Leah do? If I probe her, she'll give me the "You trust that bitch over me?!".
Hahh, this is a dead end.
Just then, a waiter comes over to take our orders.
Claire: Oh, let's see.
She takes one look at the menu and gulps nervously. She bites her lip in frustration.
Ashton: ???
Claire: Um, isn't this a bit too...
Ah, I see. She's worried about the prices since it was supposed to be on her today.
(*Refer to Chapter 33: Another Time*)
Whatever, I wasn't going to let her pay anyway. I turn towards the waiter.
Ashton: Bring us two of the steak set 2, make her's less spicy and we'll take a side salad as well.
Waiter: Alright, give me a few minutes.
As soon as he walks away, Claire speaks up, agitated.
Claire: Wh-Why did you order that for me?
Ashton: Hm? Because you can't handle spice very well..?
Claire: That's not what I meant! I mean... it's, it's too expensive..
The last few words come out more like a whisper, but I catch them anyway.
Ashton: It's on me so, money's not an issue.
Claire: Really..?
Ashton: Yeah, I go to these kinds of places very often. Don't think anything of it.
If I had taken her someplace more public, people might recognize me. That was my motive of coming here.
Claire: Of course it's not an issue for you...
She mummers something under her breath in a small voice. What was that?
Claire: So... how's work going?
The good ol' topic changing. I'm a bit concerned that something's off, but I can't push her to spill. So, I just let it go.
Ashton: Good, for the most part.
This just reminds me of the only possible reason I have to give the audition for.
In most cases, screenwriters or directors themselves approach me for a role. If I have to audition, it can only be because of competition.
That means the one competing with me for the male lead in "The Revenge of Yours Truly" must be someone who is at my level.
That can none other the actor I loathe, Raymond Quinn. We used be friends in acting school, but fell out because he did something very despicable.
Hahh, I don't want to get into that right now though.
Claire: Why? What's wrong?
I tell her about the movie audition and my concerns about being away for almost a year when I've just got married, but leave Quinn's part aside.
I don't want to bother with the unnecessary details. She listens to me intently and then nods in agreement.
Claire: I can understand how troublesome it can be. Wait, speaking of which, we initially came here to discuss... something else, right?
Ashton: Right. You won't have to worry about anything.
Claire: What do you mean?
Ashton: Well, the highschool reunion is the last time we'll cross paths, so naturally, unless we have to attend an event together, we won't have to pretend to be strangers. About Troy, it's inevitable that we'll see each other however, I won't bring up our relationship at all.
That should do it, right? Claire widens her eyes slightly in surprise when I say this.
Claire: Right, the highschool reunion will be the last time.
Did I say something wrong? Why do I sense disappointment from her tone? Could it be...
No, I promised that I won't keep deceiving myself anymore. I shake my head. The awkwardness still continues.
And so, the rest of our meal goes by awkwardly....