The night shimmered with the warm glow of streetlights, casting a wintery sheen over the crowd of people who were still out and about. Maia and her castmates leisurely wander down the sidewalk, their breaths visible in the crisp air and laughter punctuating the atmosphere as they talk about their hiccups during the performance.
Ahead of them was a cafe, its elegant façade adorned with intricate painted white woodwork and a flickering fireplace that promised warmth within. Leo's eyes widened. "let's try this cafe," he sniffled with a now-redden nose.
Thinking about the money she had spent thus far, Maia sighed, "Just a cup of tea." confirming with her castmates, who laughed.
"Yes, now let's hurry before they close."
A man dressed in a black suit escorted them to a round table adorned with crisp white linens and gleaming silverware. As they took their seats, her castmates warmly congratulated Maia, praising her for her impressive debut solo and her compelling performances throughout the week.
Leo, positioned closely beside her, leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a hush. "Is your mother okay with you being away for so long?"
"She is well," Maia replied, flashing him with a smile. "Mr. Ben has been visiting her every day and keeping me updated." Despite her bright expression, a cloud of worry lingered in her green eyes, especially over her mother's recent change in medication that is now more expensive.
The waiter returned with everyone's order and placed a decadent pink cake and a steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of Maia, who seemed surprised.
"Um, excuse me, Sir, I only ordered tea," she said in confusion.
"I know, miss," he looked nervously, "This is from the gentleman over there." he extended his arm, pointing towards a man sitting alone in a booth reading a folded newspaper. Maia gazed over at the man, finally remembering he was the gentleman from the train.
"Maia, you have a good-looking admirer," one of the castmates chimed, gushing over the dark-haired man.
"He probably an heir, Maia," another laughed
"Even better if he's a financier," all the women in the group chimed, mimicking Ms Evelyn's jest.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. He could be a stalker," Leo said, refuting their claims.
Maia arose from her seat, but Leo clasped her hand, halting her. "Maia, are you going over there?" he asked, concerned.
"Leo, let the woman live a little," one castmate interjected.
Ignoring them and still holding on to her, he looked at her more urgently, reminding Maia of a lost puppy. She smiled and released her hand. "I know him," she patted his hand. "I 'll be back," Maia assured him and made her way to the gentleman's table.
As Maia approached his table, the gentleman peered at her, still holding his newspaper, only placing it on the table as she stood at the corner of his booth. She had red curls peeking from her updo and some playing atop her forhead. Noting how stunning she looked, a stark difference from their first encounter, the gentleman gave her a slight smile and gestured for her to sit, which Maia obliged.
"You know," Maia started as she relaxed into the cushions. "Most men would send flowers instead of hot chocolate," she quipped, trying to sound confident.
"Well, flowers are usually reserved for the second date," he said casually, checking his watch.
"When was the first date?" Maia shot back, smiling.
He only smiled and motioned for the waiter, who promptly came, and the gentleman whispered in his ear, pausing to take a look at Maia, who was patiently waiting before sending him away.
"It appears your friend is eagerly awaiting your return," he said with a slight nod, tipping his hat towards Leo. The tension in Leo's posture was palpable as he shot a fierce glare, his brows furrowing in frustration. Maia turned to look back at him, her embarrassment barely concealed. Leo's attempt at intimidation seemed almost comical, a complete contrast to how the man before her appeared naturally relaxed and confident.
With a gentle chuckle, Maia tucked a loose curl behind her ear, her fingers grazing the softness of her ear as she straightened up.
In an instant, her gaze shot upward, and a glimmer of realization hit her eyes as if a forgotten thought had suddenly come to life. "I haven't caught your name," she blurted out.
The man laughed, captivating her with his murky grey eyes. "if I tell you, what will you use it for? Will you call it?" his tone laced with amusement and provocation.
Not understanding what he meant, Maia's face flickered with uncertainty. "what other uses would your name have, sir?" her eyes searching his beautifully sculpted face. Now, seeing the gentleman clean up and his hair neatly combed, Maia notices that he might not be an ordinary man as she had previously assumed.
"Many," he simply responded, sipping his tea. Now refocusing his gaze on Maia and rubbing circular motions with his thumb on the cup handle, "Soren," he said softly.
His darkened grey eyes made Maia tingle, and her palms became clammy as she held them together. "ah, Soren, what a nice name," she awkwardly stammered, giving a shaky compliment. But his countenance never changed. It seemed as if he was looking through her confident facade.
"How was your play? I didn't get a chance to see it," Soren asked, his deep voice cutting through the heavy silence that hung in the air.
Maia's expression perked up, and her green eyes gleamed as she began to share her grueling week. With animated gestures, she recounted the first day of her solo performance, detailing the events bit by bit. Also, about the practice sessions, she had squeezed into her already packed schedule learning a new dance she had never attempted before. Soren couldn't quite determine if it was the story itself that interested him or the melodic tone of her voice that seemed rushed with enthusiasm.
Her red-stained lips curved into an alluring smile, illuminating her innocent face, and a loose curl playfully clung to her lips. Soren leaned in, his movement smooth and deliberate, catching Maia off guard. She froze in surprise as he reached out his hand and gently removed the strain from her lips.
The softness she felt from his finger grazing her lips made her tremble, sending butterflies through her stomach, which she quickly dropped her head, hiding her now blushed red cheeks. "Thank you, Soren," she murmured in a whisper, so very different from her moments earlier. "My hair usually has a mind of its own." she gave a sheepish smile when she brought her head back up.
Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter, who returned cradling a bouquet of pristine white carnations, which he presented to Maia, who hesitantly accepted them. Soren sent him away and looked at Maia, who appeared to be entranced by the gesture.
"I've never received flowers before," Maia mused, losing composure. "Truly, thank you, Soren," she spoke again.
"Your hot chocolate must've gotten cold," Soren nonchalantly uttered. As if on cue, Leo came to the booth, announcing that everyone was ready to head back to the theatre. Before leaving the booth, Maia wanted to say more but was cut off by Soren.
"I've heard the Sienna theatre finished repairs."
"Yes," Maia added, "so the performances will go back to a regular schedule."
"I see." he nodded.
Leo took that as a cue to hurry Maia along and frowned at Soren, to which he responded by taking a sip of his now lukewarm tea.