Chapter 49: With expectations.
Collins stood up from his seat with a gentlemanly smile the moment he saw Arissa walking into the restaurant.
He never imagined she would one day accept lunch out with him. It’s almost two years since he requested a lunch out and finally, when he thought it would never happen, his blessing came his way just when he least expected.
Sadly, he would be leaving this country soon. He only came here because she needed help but also, at his private hospital, he’s now needed so every second he has to spend with her counts until he can break her restriction letters.
Arissa returned the smile with a wave.
"Hey," Arissa greeted as she finally stood before him. Stretching out her hand for a handshake, Collins’s face fell. They were still in the phase of handshakes? - when she accepted lunch out with him, he expected a green light but things were still the same.
Handshakes! There would never be a green light between both of them but also, there is nothing prayers and efforts can’t do - Right?
And with a stiff smile, he lifted his arm and took her hand in his. And when he felt her soft fragile hand in his, his heart swelled - at least, he still has the privilege to feel her hand in his.
They cut off the handshake and Arissa sat down. "So, to what do I owe this honor?" Arissa asked with a vibrant smile with all her dimples on display, resting her chin on her fist.
Collins watched her and he wondered if she was still ignorant about his feeling or if she was just acting ignorant and again, what’s with the thousand smiles in a minute?
Collins waved his thought off and smiled at her line, "I’m the honored one here," he clarified.
Arissa thinned her lips. She has smiled a lot today but at the same time, things are going well already, and soon, all these shits would end. So, these smiles naturally do not want to stop.