Collision

Chapter 9

The powerful car moved along the seafront, before it moved inland.

Serena glanced at Rick's hands on the steering wheel for the third time, each time noticing his long fingers, devoid of any jewellery (thank God), and how they maneuvered the car.
She didn't know what to say. It wasn't like this was a romantic date or anything.
She had only one interest right now..what was this 'truce' about..

'Is there something unusual about my hands? You look fascinated..'

Serena started at the sudden break in silence.
'I'm sorry..wh..'

'Don't be..'
Rick almost chuckled at her gasp.
He lifted a hand to stop her from speaking.
'Relax! I was just breaking the ice here..you seem to be frozen in your seat..'

'There's nothing like that..I..I just don't know what to say actually..'
Serena looked straight ahead at the road now, while Rick turned his head to look at her.

'That's not how I remember any of our meetings! You had plenty to say then..'
He smiled when she shifted her head completely to look at him.

'I always had a reason for that! And you also never backed down, you..you are laughing?'
She asked, as she saw him chuckle at her sudden fire.

'No! Not really..just that this is the side of you I've always seen..was just waking it up..'

'Ha, ha! Very funny!'
She rolled her eyes at him, before turning to look out the window, a small smile coming to her lips at his teasing.

'Okay, okay..I apologise..it's just that the silence was quite deafening..'

'It's okay...'
Serena shrugged.
'So, where are we going?'

'Almost there..'
He turned the car towards the city centre, where several five star restaurants were located.

'Here?'
Serena asked, as Rick stopped the car at the entrance of one of them.

'Yes! The food here is great! I've been coming here for the past five years..'
With that, he got off the car, and moved towards her side.

Serena felt a sense of trepidation, as Rick opened the door for her to get out.
No! Not here, please!
But, she could do nothing but get out of the car, and wait while Rick handed his car keys to a valet.

Rick guided her inside, and Serena followed.
She walked straight ahead, neither looking right, nor left.
If Rick noticed, he didn't show it.
As the manager settled them in their seats, which were a bit secluded from the rest by a row of plants, she breathed a bit better.

'It's been a while, Mr. Malone..'
The manager greeted him with a smile.

'Yes, I've just been a little busy..'

'That's alright. I'll leave you to check out the menu..ma'am..'
He handed her the menu card before leaving.

Serena quickly opened the menu, pretending to peruse it, when in fact, she knew every dish available here..

'The seafood is really good, if you are a fan..'
Rick was busy checking his own card, and didn't see her discomfort.

'Hmm..I'll have the shrimp salad..'
She kept her head inside the menu card.

Rick glanced up at her.
'Just a salad? Are you on a diet or something?'

'No! No! I'm just not very hungry..'
Being here had killed her appetite.

'If you are sure..'
He called to a waiter, who came hurrying over to take their order.
'I'll have the churrasco, and a shrimp salad for the lady..'