Chapter 1323: There was no perfect time
An hour later...
"You’re early," Mildred remarked as soon as she sat across from Haines at the same table where they had their first date. "I thought I was already early. No, I am early, but you’re earlier."
Haines smiled at her. "It’s good to see you too, Mildred."
"Haha." A soft chuckle escaped her as she leaned back. At the same time, the server arrived with hot tea. "You already knew what I like. Did I mention I like this particular tea?"
"You finished it very fast last time."
"I didn’t want it to grow cold. It’s best to drink it hot."
"And I agree. That’s why I told them to serve it once you arrived. Thankfully, they did."
"What a gentleman." Mildred laughed again as she reached for her tea.
As they both took a sip, silence settled between them, as though they were waiting for the other to ask the questions lingering in their minds.
"I haven’t told anybody yet," Mildred remarked, placing her tea down — giving him an answer instead of a question. "I know that’s what’s on your mind. The answer is no, I haven’t come clean yet."
"Still couldn’t muster the courage to do it?"
"At some point, I thought of just blurting it out." She waved a hand dismissively. "But every time I muster the courage to do so, I end up biting my tongue. The Old Madam is either too happy for me to ruin it, or too lonely for me to make it worse. I do not have the heart to do either."