“Mr. Murphy’s the one who should be worrying about this, not you. Let’s just forget this nonsense and go grab some food,” Nora said.
Upon our arrival at Gastronomia, Linda exclaimed when she got off the car, “Ms. Oberick, is there really a need for us to eat here? One meal cost at least a month’s worth of my salary. We know you’re rich, but the both of us treasure our money.”
Nora handed her keys over to the valet. “Stop exaggerating. I know you’ve eaten at fancier restaurants back in the past. C’mon, it’s not like you’re treating. Let’s just enjoy our meal.”
Linda coughed awkwardly. “Can’t help it. I’m tight on cash recently.”
Although A City was only a second-tier city in the Xenhall region, it did not lose out to the other first-tier cities in terms of lavishness.
True to its name, Gastronomia was a fine-dining restaurant that served exquisite food. Instead of the private dining room, we opted to eat at the main hall. Nora headed over to the bar to greet a few familiar faces.
One of them led us to our seats. Right after, she took the liberty to order for us. “They sell mainly seafood here. So don’t worry about getting fat and eat your fill.”
Linda was in disbelief. “Is this really our main concern now?”
Despite the complaints from earlier, the relaxing ambiance and mouth-watering dishes had evidently improved all our moods. At the moment, Nora ordered some red wine. She managed to persuade Linda to drink with her.
After a few drinks, both of them started talking about Armond. Nora seemed a bit down. “Dating is such a dread. Which reminds me, Linda, have I ever mentioned how much I envy you? You have a family of your own. Being a single parent is tough, but it saves you from all those relationship issues.”
“Ms. Oberick, this is where you’re wrong. You’re the lucky one! Since you’re single, you can do whatever you want and not have to be accountable to anyone. How great is that!”
“How’s that great? Linda, let me ask you. Why do we date guys? Isn’t it so that they can protect us and fulfill our bodily desires?”
Linda nodded, completely oblivious to her hidden intention.
Nora continued, “See, you agree with me too! As a couple, we have to satisfy each other’s needs. But, what the hell. How did I find someone like Mr. Murphy? He doesn’t even come close to touching me.”
Feeling helpless, she pulled on Linda’s sleeves. “Do you think he has lost interest in me? Or, does he hate me so much that he doesn’t want to touch me?”
Regardless of whether this was an act, I got to hand it to Nora for her ways.
Linda replied honestly, “It’s not that Mr. Murphy doesn’t want to touch you. He probably hasn’t let go of his past. He hasn’t allowed any women to get close to him in all these years. I thought things were fine between the both of you. Maybe you should give him some time.”
Nora felt herself getting close to the truth. “What past?”
At that perfect moment, Linda blacked out. The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Nora turned towards me, looking unsatisfied.
I took this as our cue to leave. “All right, it’s getting late now! I’ll send the both of you home.” I went over to help Linda up.
My plans were interrupted when Armond came to pick Nora up. He turned towards me. “I’ll give both of you a lift.”
Since our houses were on their way back, I accepted his offer. I settled Linda in the backseat. Before I could make my way around to the opposite door, a black Bentley parked right in front of me.
There was no way I would not recognize this car. To confirm my suspicions, I peered through the tinted windows. The person inside winded down the side window.
Marcus!
Why’s he here? Isn’t he supposed to be in K City? Not knowing his purpose here, I nodded at him before attempting to flee. Marcus was one step ahead. He got off the car and approached me.
Seeing his face, nostalgia hit me. It felt like an eternity since I last saw him.
I stood rooted, recalibrating his features again. Perhaps due to a period of not seeing each other, he stood further than usual.
