The Colonel's question makes Alycia recall the dinner they had just a few days ago. Then she flashes a little smile, putting aside all the thoughts that tormented her earlier. "I'm doing fine. How about you, Mr. Kent?" Her gaze briefly sweeps the main administrative building behind the Colonel and she wonders if he had just come out from it.
What business does a soldier have in there, especially with someone of Mason Kent's rank?
"Same here," Mason Kent responds and mutters, "But I do admit it's getting harder to refrain from thinking about you."
His honest response takes Alycia by surprise but Mason Kent simply smiles again before he points out, "I think this is not like you. As far as I can remember, this is my first time having the privilege of running into you in a street like this." He looks curious but also concerned at the same time and Alycia somewhat understands.
It is not like her to walk around like that after all, be it alone or not. As a businesswoman, she takes a car most of the time and she is always too busy for other things.
"I just think that it would be a great idea to take a walk. My schedule is free for the rest of the forenoon anyway," she replies after a moment of silence, concealing her real reason for doing so. "What about you, Mr. Kent?" She spares the gigantic building another glance before she states, "I wonder what kind of business you had here."
Mason Kent narrows his eyes for a split second and looks at Alycia again as he responds, "I had an appointment." He pauses and corrects himself by saying, "A rather personal one."
As it looks like the Colonel is not that comfortable with responding to her question, Alycia Reese nods her head without pressing the matter. When she tries to speak up after another moment of silence, Colonel Mason Kent beats her to it.
"Have you eaten?" He asks, appearing somewhat nervous. "It's almost time for lunch. If you have time, how about having lunch together?"
Alycia Reese slightly raises a brow, obvious that she is not expecting the invite. Not to mention that she is immediately reminded of that confession from their previous encounter.
She knows that it's best for her not to give hope to this man who deserves so much better but... when she looks and feels how it is not easy for him to invite her, she struggles to turn him down... yet again. She eventually glances at her wristwatch and briefly sweeps their surroundings with her eyes before she turns her attention back to the Colonel who is waiting for her response with some pressure. Then she nods her head. "Alright."
A small yet genuine smile appears on the Colonel's face but only after he gently exhales, perhaps because of the cooped-up pressure. "Then give me a moment," he says.
When Alycia looks pretty confused because of his words, Mason points his chin at the premise of the administrative building and explains by saying, "My jeep is right there. I will go get it and we can eat somewhere near your office. That way, you won't have to worry about your appointments for the afternoon."
The usually aloof Mason Kent is much more thoughtful and considerate than he appears and upon realizing this, Alycia Reese lets out a light chuckle. "That's a good idea," she remarks.
The hearty chuckle he just witnessed makes the Colonel smile once again. "I will be right back then," he says and turns around before running towards the gate.
Just as he says, he does not take long and soon drives his car out of the huge gate... jeep, to be exact. The vehicle Mason drives is a Jeep Wrangler which model Alycia is not aware of. She does not have much knowledge outside the luxury cars she grew up riding and driving with but judging from the look of it, the jeep's brand seems quite luxurious.
Once Mason Kent pulls over his jeep next to Alycia, he quickly gets off to open the door for Alycia and starts driving once he gets in again.
"I am not that familiar with the surroundings of your office, Miss Reese," Mason Kent states after almost a minute pass in silence. "I think you should choose the place."
Alycia Reese gives a brief thought before she enters the location in the vehicle's navigation. "I think this place will be fine," she says and awkwardly adds, "My lunch and dinner are mostly for business meetings, eating with clients and all. I don't usually eat nearby."
Mason Kent slowly nods his head several times and spares Alycia a brief glance before shifting his attention back to the road. "That means you can relax this time," he simply points out, making Alycia turn to look at him. "We won't be talking business after all. You can just think of it as a simple lunch with nothing to lose."
Hearing the unexpected words, Alycia quietly stares at the Colonel for a moment before slowly turning away. She then narrows her eyes and softly smiles to herself. Mason Kent is not wrong. Maybe she can really relax and also distract herself from all the things that keep on bothering her.
The two do not talk much throughout their way to the restaurant but it seems as if many things occupy both of their minds and once they arrive at their destination, they both get out of the jeep and walk inside the restaurant.
"Shall I get a private room?" Mason Kent asks the moment they enter the luxurious restaurant. "It might be uncomfortable for you."
He is talking about the fact that everyone in the area, including the workers there knows her and Alycia understands what the Colonel said. However, she shakes her head. "I'm fine."
Mason Kent nods his head in agreement and they occupy one of the tables in the corner and immediately make an order. Soon enough, the dishes are served and they start eating.
"It's my first time here," Mason Kent says as his gaze briefly sweeps the spacious restaurant, ignoring the curious but unobvious gazes the workers and other customers give him and Alycia. "It's quite great. The food too."
"I've been here once," Alycia Reese mutters as she eats her food. "I think it's the only restaurant near my office which I have visited." She pauses a moment before she adds, "I don't think you have much time for yourself too, Mr. Kent. Many officers of your rank are still busy working on the field, carrying out dangerous missions."
Mason Kent wonders how Alycia managed to say that. It's not like her ex-boyfriend is the same rank as him. Elliot is several years his junior in the army and a Captain, three ranks below him. While his mind is occupied by this, he hears Alycia which makes him slowly stop eating.
"My father is a soldier too," she says, taking him by surprise. She then slightly narrows her eyes and remains quiet for a few seconds before she looks at Mason Kent again and says, "Apart from Elliot, he is also one of the reasons why I can't accept your feelings, Mr. Kent. You know... I really can't afford to date another soldier."