Much to Isabella's surprise, the dinner turned out to be a silent but peaceful affair. She concentrated on enjoying the delicious soup, only realizing when she ate, how ravenous she had been. There was no music or fancy ambience or even romantic lighting but somehow this felt like a date and Isabella realized that she was too soft for something like this. Through out the dinner, she could not stop peeking at Ian.
Finally, as the last spoonful of the soup was finished, Ian stood up. Somehow she wanted to stop him. She was too reluctant to let the night end. Did he have to leave so soon? However, she then realized that he wasn't leaving but actually clearing the table to wash the dishes.
Isabella, feeling a sudden surge of gratitude, rushed to stop him. "No, no, let me do that. You cooked, the least I can do is clean up," she tried to insist but was gently pushed away by him as he said," I told you to relax. I'll take care of this and then leave."
