“No, thank you."

“Yes, please."

Bettie and Lance simultaneously responded.

Their synchronized reply prompted a moment of mutual contemplation.

Bettie spoke up first, asserting, "No, let's opt for other specialty dishes. I can cover the expenses."

With a sardonic grin, Lance remarked, “Miss Ramirez, your generosity knows no bounds!"


Without further ado, he took hold of the menu and proceeded to order a multitude of dishes.

Bettie couldn't help but realize that he had deliberately ordered an abundance of items, seemingly as a form of retaliation

As soon as the waiter departed, she sighed and remarked, “Lance, you've changed."

Arching an eyebrow, he inquired, "How so?"

“You've become stingy yet hungrier than before. Can't you enjoy a good meal when you're abroad?”

Lance graced her with a tender smile and ventured, “A few days ago, I happened upon you enjoying a meal with a gentleman at an upscale restaurant. Was he your blind date? He appeared somewhat follicly challenged, possibly in his fifties. I imagine enduring that dinner was quite the feat for you.”

The mention of blind dates invariably dredged up memories of her illegitimate younger brother, a thought that never failed to trigger Bettie's ire.

In a sharp retort, she countered, “I doubt you've ever had a blind date yourself."

Just as Lance was poised to respond, the mobile phone resting on the table abruptly chimed with an incoming call.

In a hushed tone, he raised a hand in a gesture of silence, then answered the call, his voice adopting a softer cadence. “What's going on, Keilani?"

Keilani was a girl's name.

Bettie remained uncertain about the nature of their conversation over the phone. She observed Lance Listening attentively before reassuring her, "Don't fret. I'll return in a few days and bring you some gifts. Alright then. Bye."

Concluding the call, he placed the phone back on the table and cast an amiable smile in Bettie's direction. "You were saying?"