Chapter 13 *** The Memory ***

She seemed perturbed, but she slowly studied the choices on the menu.
“Is seafood okay with you?”
I shrugged my shoulders. I really didn't have a preference towards different types of food. As long as it tasted good, I would eat it. She looked at me for another few seconds just to make sure that I wouldn’t change my mind and then she gave the hostess our order. I brought her here because she really did impress me with her skills today. I thought of offering her some sort of praise for her good work, but I knew she didn’t like me. More importantly, why the hell did I care if she liked me or not?
“Would you like anything to drink, miss?” the hostess asked.
Hesitantly, she glanced at me. I guess she assumed I was going to tell her not to drink but at my continued silence she looked back at the hostess. Her painted lips formed into a sweet smile that would cause any man to swallow hard in desire.
“I think a red wine will go well with the seafood. Could we have one of your best reds, please?”
Nodding while offering us a smile, the hostess left quietly for the kitchen. Miss Young looked instantly uncomfortable as soon as we were left alone. I watched as she pulled her cell phone out from her purse and started playing around with it. Even though she looked busy, I could still tell that she was extremely nervous around me. At first, I thought I could handle her ignoring me because at least it would be able to have some peace and quiet. However, for whatever reason, the way she constantly eluded any interaction with me since we got here was beginning to grate against my nerves. I straightened my tie and coughed dryly in an attempt to catch her attention. It failed. She didn't even look up at me! Sighing angrily, I let my gaze drift out the window and, as I took in the beautiful view, I instantly started to calm down.
The road outside the window was lined with giant maple trees on both sides. The colorful leaves decorated the ground and twirled in the air when hit with a gentle breeze. I sincerely believe that this sight could calm anyone’s agitated heart. Suddenly, I heard two small voices echo in my head and my eyes replayed an old cherished memory. The pain in my heart quickly snapped me out of my reverie and I shifted my eyes to the small woman in front of me.
“Miss Young, look outside. You are going to miss out on observing the beautiful scenery all because of your stupid cell phone.”
She rolled her eyes at me and then lazily shifted her eyes to look out the window. Surprisingly, she maintained an unblinking stare at the street outside. As I carefully examined her expression, I saw the corners of her eyes water. What the hell? Was she going to cry?
Feeling confused and troubled, I asked gently, “Miss Young? A-are you alright?”
[Iris’s POV]
I was playing on my phone, trying to make the time go faster. It was so uncomfortable to be spending my lunch break with this unreasonable man! I was looking forward to relaxing on my break, but he had ruined it. He basically ordered me to accompany him here and he didn't even bother to ask me nicely!
“Asshole… I had my own plans too, you know?” I thought.
Deciding to ignore him, I tried to place my full attention on my phone. Then, from out of nowhere, he suddenly started talking to me and suggested I take in the view from our window. Sighing in frustration, I rolled my eyes and followed his suggestion. However, at the scene before me, my indifferent attitude started to break. Seeing the squirrels playing over the dry leaves, my eyes started to water as the memory I treasured deep within my heart played out in front of me.
“Miss Young? A-are you okay?”
In an instant, I was brought out of my trance like state as soon as I heard the president’s unbelievable gentle voice. I was seconds away from losing all composure and I quickly lowered my eyes to hide my unruly tears. Taking a deep breath, I stuffed everything; the memory, the heartache, and the disappointment, deep down in the recesses of my chest and looked up to offer him a fake smile.
“Oh yes, Mr. President. This is a really beautiful view of Rainbow Street.”
His brows furrowed together as if he was confused.
“But your record showed that you have never been to Silverstone City.”
Shit! My smile faltered, but only a little and I tightly clutched the hem of my skirt to steady my nerves.
“No. I never been here, but I did a little research on the city before moving here,” I said as evenly as possible.
Twisting the cap of his bottle of water, he asked, “Then what made you come to Silverstone City Miss Young? You could have gone anywhere… why this place?”
I reminded myself that it would be better to give him cut and dry answers. That way it wouldn’t raise any further questions on my background and I wouldn’t have to worry about keeping track of a bunch of fabricated stories.
“No special reason really. I just thought of experiencing something new and USK State seemed like a good option. Moreover, my best friend lives here and I was able to procure a good job.”
I looked up to meet his ocean colored eyes. He was observing me. I kept having a nagging feeling that he was suspicious about my identity. Even if he was, freaking out wouldn’t do me any favors. I was about to say something that would further solidify my story, but the aroma of hot food wafted through the air and my stomach, having a mind of its own, shamelessly grumbled. Thank God it wasn’t loud enough for him to hear or I would have died of embarrassment. The hostess came towards our table holding a giant palate of prawns, which I eyed eagerly, and trailing behind her were three young servers carrying other dishes. Seeing my hungry expression, the lady smiled and placed the dishes symmetrically on the table.
“Here you go, Sir and Madame. All the dishes have been prepared by our head chef,” she said, clasping her hands together cheerfully.
I thought her tone came off a tad too dramatic, but maybe it was just me.
Then, looking at the president and me, she said, “You two are going to love it!”
Nope, it wasn’t just me… I was surprised at seeing that the president didn't mind her words. Maybe this lady was well acquainted with President Gray? Otherwise, he would have just called his bodyguards over to escort her out of the proximity for what she had just insinuated. Wait a second… did she just call me Madame!? Isn't that how you address the President's wife?
“Please don’t misunderstand. I am just the new secretary, Iris Young,” I stated, quickly correcting her.
Shifting my attention to the juicy prawns that were placed in front of us, I reached out to grab one. However, just when I was putting a prawn onto my plate, she said, “Oh don’t worry dear! I can see the sparks between you two. Our nation will definitely have a First Lady soon.”
At her declaration, I chocked on my own saliva. After taking a sip of water, I looked up at her in shock.
“Crap lady! Do you want us both to be without a job?” I thought.
Risking a glance over at my employer, I noted the shock expression on his face as well. He recovered a lot quicker than I did, and reapplied his cold stare.
“Aunty Madonna, can we eat our lunch now?”
Grinning and with her tone dripping in sarcasm, she said, “Oh Xavier... uh…I mean”–she bit her tongue–“M-Mr. President, I was just anticipating the future. Don't you forget that this lady is quite experienced in the love department! If you ever need help you can come to me! After all, I have dated more than fifty men!”
Confidence radiated from her face as she received a cold glare from President Gray. I, on the other hand, gaped at her. Fifty men?! Who in the hell even had time to go out on that many dates? Shaking her head at us, she sighed.
“Go ahead and eat you food now. I have other things to tend to. Enjoy your meal.”
I watched as she left with the servers and I breathed a sigh of relief. As I saw President Gray put a piece of Salmon on his plate, I noticed that he looked completely unfazed by the woman’s behavior.
“Don't mind her. She likes to joke a lot.”
Nodding my head, I reached out to pick up a juicy prawn. I peeled off its shell and dipped it in ketchup. At that moment, I had a bold idea. I could just eat with my hands! Normally, I would just use my hands anyway. It’s so much more satisfying than using utensils. Looking around to make sure that there was no one else in sight; I lifted up the red prawn and stuffed it into my mouth. I let out an unsolicited moan as its heavenly taste made my taste buds tingle. Ignoring the juices and ketchup that was flowing down from the corner of my mouth, I continued to eat happily. After finishing my prawn, I opened my eyes and instantly froze.
Mr. President was watching me with an interesting expression that bespoke of rage and curiosity.
Putting down his knife, he asked, “Miss Young, what exactly are you doing?”
I gulped down the last slice of prawn and grinned like the little kid who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
“Please don’t find me unrefined, Mr. President.” I looked around the restaurant one more time. “Actually, I prefer to eat prawns using my hands. For me, it tastes better. As you have booked the whole restaurant, I thought it would be okay to eat them how I am accustomed to since there isn’t anyone else here.”
“Does it really make them taste better?” he asked with genuine interest.
“W-well, at least to me, it does.”
He lowered his eyes to my beloved prawns.
“Could I try it too?”
Stunned for a moment, I replied, “Sure. Let me help you peel one.”
Grabbing another juicy prawn, I peeled it and then set it on his plate. Watching with great interest, the president looked down at his peeled prawn and sat contemplating something for a moment. Finally, he pulled up his sleeve and picked up the prawn with his fingers. As if in slow motion, I saw the prawn near his lips. The moment he took a bite, I started to tense up. What if he hated it? However, he smiled at me.
“It is tastier using my hands.”
Then I saw him generously lick the juice from the corner of his mouth.
“Oh…fuck,” I mumbled.

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