Without delay, a string of numbers flowed from her companion's Lips. Claudia found the combination oddly familiar. Unless she had misheard, those digits corresponded precisely to her birthdate.

Instinctively, she turned her gaze towards Bennett and queried, "What's this?"

“The payment password," he affirmed.

Her heart quickened inexplicably as she Looked at him.

“It sounds oddly familiar."

"Do you possess such a forgetful memory?" he teased, his gaze fixated upon her.

“Can you not recall your own birthday?” It was really the date of her birthday!

In stunned contemplation, she marveled at the fact that he actually used her birth date as his password!

Claudia's grip on the phone quivered ever so slightly, her eyes ablaze and her ears flushing crimson.

The subject at hand had become too awkward for her to bear. Lifting her phone, she gestured towards the drink menu on the screen and uttered, “I'd like a cola."

It had been an eternity since she Last savored the taste of Coke. She hesitated for a moment and inquired, "And what about your choice?"

“I'm open to anything,” Bennett replied.

Despite his words, Claudia suddenly recalled the thick file handed to her by his secretary two months prior, detailing all Bennett's preferences.

He wasn't fond of carbonated beverages.

In the end, Claudia decided on a bottle of mineral water for him. Before long, their order was placed and a waiter arrived, bearing a bag of delectable popcorn. The sweet aroma tickled Claudia's senses, igniting her appetite. She began indulging herself even before the movie commenced.

After some time, she noticed Bennett's gaze upon her A sense of self-consciousness washed over Claudia; it didn't feel right to dine alone.

She extended her hand, offering him the popcorn and asked, “Would you like some?"

"Yes," he replied.

His eyes were fixed on her, yet he made no move to partake in the popcorn.

Claudia blinked, comprehending his unspoken intention. With embarrassment, she picked up the Largest piece of popcorn and brought it to his lips.

Bennett obliged by opening his mouth, taking a bite of the popcorn.

He Lightly brushed her index finger, which she had yet to retract, with his lips.

Claudia felt a slight tingle. Swiftly withdrawing her hand, she resumed her consumption of popcorn, feigning indifference as if nothing had occurred,

A gentle breeze swept in through the partly open window, and the screen before them dimmed abruptly. The movie was about to commence.