"Not too long. We've just arrived at the restaurant." Glancing at the time, Claudia realized it was already one o'clock.

Her stomach, now awakened and protesting its emptiness, prompted her to glance at Bennett with a playful embarrassment.

"I'm quite hungry."

Bennett chuckled.

"Well, let's get off the car for lunch, then.

"Sounds perfect."

She nodded, deftly undoing her seat belt, opening the car door, and stepping into the brilliant noon sunlight.

The sun beamed intensely, causing her to narrow her eyes against the brightness.

Instinctively, Claudia raised her hand to shield her eyes. When she saw Bennett approaching, she instinctively extended her hand, inviting him to hold it.

“It's sweltering today."

“There's an umbrella in the car."

Bennett looked down at their joined hands. He contemplated fetching the umbrella but was stopped by her words.

"Forget it. The restaurant is just a short walk away

The restaurant was indeed just a short journey away from them,

Their car was parked in the open-air lot, a mere fifty meters from the restaurant's entrance.

Since it was Monday and also lunchtime, there weren't many people around. As Claudia and Bennett entered the restaurant, only two tables were occupied.

Among the various seating options, she selected a cozy booth by the window,

Claudia's hunger had grown into an undeniable craving. Her eyes remained fixated on the snacks the waiter had delivered, and she could no longer resist their tantalizing allure. She soon succumbed to the temptation of eating the shrimp crackers.

In a matter of mere minutes, she had made quick work of the plate of shrimp crackers.

Raising her head, Claudia noticed Bennett's watchful eyes upon her.

Feeling a touch self-conscious, she took a sip of water and candidly admitted, “I was absolutely famished."

“Would you like some more snacks?" Bennett inquired.

She shook her head, wearing a sheepish grin on her face.

“I'm feeling a bit better now."