Waiter: Would you like dessert?
Dessert... of course not, but... I look over at Claire. She likes sweet things so, she might want some.
However, her reply goes completely contrary to my expectations.
Claire: No, we're fine.
Huh, that's... new. I don't know if she really has changed so much or she just wants this to be over ASAP.
For my benefit, I'll go with the former. I ask the waiter to get the bill and while he does, the awkward atmosphere returns again.
There was a time where I could feel peaceful even when both of us were just sitting beside each other, not sharing a word.
It's almost scary how things change with time. I look up to see her face, but when I do, I make eye contact with someone sitting behind her, facing us.
What the... This familiar aura has to be..! This guy followed us in just as I thought! Realizing that I've recognized him, he gets up and starts walking out.
I quickly whip out my wallet and leave some bills of money on the table. I tap them a few times as I get up.
Ashton: This is for the bill, leave the rest as the tip. I... I need to make a phone call.
Claire: Is it going to be long?
Ashton: Yeah... You can leave.
I don't even wait for her to reply as I begin following him. I should start walking faster to catch up with him.
I can't run inside the room since that will attract a lot of attention so, I'll wait till I get to the hall.
Having the same plan, the man picks up speed and tries to outrun me while I chase after him.
I'm almost about to get a hold of his collar when two women block my path. Ugh, what do they want now?!
Woman 1: A-Are you Ashton Beckett?! I'm a big fan!
Woman 2: Me too! Can we have an autograph, please?!
Fans... Great. Any other time I would have been glad to meet them, but I'm in the middle of a chase right now!
Even so, I can't spoil my image. I cast an angelic smile towards them and their faces turn red.
Ashton: Of course.
The both fumble around, rummaging through their purses looking for a pen and paper. Meanwhile, the man manages to turn around a corner and escape.
Damnit!! I was so close! I don't let my irritation show on my face and keep waiting patiently.
I wish I could sucker punch that therapist in the face right now!! These deep breaths are really not helping me calm down!!
A few minutes later....
I sigh heavily as I start walking towards the exit. That man really got away...
Apparently, those two women wanted several selfies along with the autograph which took a lot of time.
Just as I'm cooped up in my thoughts, someone calls out to me. I halt and look towards the source of the voice.
Waiter: Sir!
Huh? Oh, it's the waiter who took our orders. What does he want? Wait, could it be that I paid too less? He walks up to me and beams.
Waiter: Thank you for the generous tip! And also, the beautiful lady you were with told me to give this to you.
He hands me a folded sheet of paper. A note?
Ashton: Thank you.
I give him a small smile and exit the restaurant. I get in my car and take a deep breath before opening the letter.
Hahh, what am I so nervous for? Her handwriting is really neat, just like I remember. The letter reads:
"Thanks for today! It's been quite a while since I came to a place like this with someone so, I had fun. I need to take my leave since something came up at the office. I have a feeling that you might be a little skeptical about the article because of the story I told you. However, I can guarantee that the same will not happen in your case! Anyway, see you at the highschool reunion! Here is personal phone number- XXXXXXXXX"
Ashton:....
If I had to guess, she's probably lying about the "fun" part. If anything, it was so tense and... I already have your phone number.
I even unblocked it, but didn't have the courage to text you. I'm such a coward...
Wait, what should I do with this letter? Throw it? Burn it? I have to dispose it before somebody else sees it; especially Kate.
Ashton:.....
It sounds like I'm sneaking around... Hahh, I'll think about it later. I place in my pocket and start driving.
The road's surprisingly empty at this hour. Not long after I start driving, I get a call from Leah.
I've already connected my phone to the car's speaker through Bluetooth so, I answer it.
Ashton: What's up?
Leah: 'You done with your date? Or should I call you tomorrow?
She replies, cockily. Jeez, this girl. She makes it sound so scandalous.
Ashton: What do you want?
Leah: The actress you were supposed to shoot with today has called in sick and can't make it today. And since they don't have the arrangements made to shoot your solo scenes today, the shooting's cancelled.
Ashton: You mean that I'm done for the day?
Leah: Yup, so now you have more time to spend with your mistress.
Ashton:.....
I know that this is wrong, that shouldn't keep asking her to meet me.... But I...
I couldn't convince myself myself not to do this before today and I'm staying true to this promise now.
Just when I return my focus to driving, I spot something in front of my car that I'm about to hit.
Ashton:!!!!