71 LETs TALK (1/2)
”Hey Ash!” Ethan greeted. ”And who is this beautiful lady? One of your conquests?”
Ash laughed and said while looking at Gina. ”My only conquest.” He looked at Ethan and introduced them to each other, ”Ethan meet Gina. Love, meet my friend Ethan.”
Gina replied with a small hello.
”So, Cassidy, Ethan, I didn't realize we'd meet here.”
”Yeah, we were a bit hungry and we remembered this Waffles Station, so we decided to come here. And you?”
Gina answered, ”Well, we're going to his apartment, but I said I was hungry, so we passed by here.” I noticed she was holding her phone tightly, as if afraid that someone might see what and to who she was texting.
”Uh-huh.” Ash nodded. But I could see the calculative look he is giving my way. I felt that he's about to realize something and I don't want to know about it.
”Okay. Anyway, I just took Gina away from work. I have to make the best of this time. So, if you'll excuse us.”
I laughed and waved them off. ”Okay. Ash, Gina,you go enjoy.”
”Nice meeting you Ethan.” Gina said, but she was looking at me, her eyes conveying something that I don't want to understand.
I don't like what I'm feeling right now. There was something odd in Gina's actions, but I can't deduce what it is.
Huh. whatever it is, I'll face it. For now, I just have to be happy.
When the both of them were out of earshot, Ethan looked at me and asked in bewilderment, ”Was that really Ash? He was an innocent, little lamb back then.”
”Well, everyone evolves Ethan. Don't dwell too much on it. Besides, you should now be happy for your friend.”
”I am happy. I am. I was just surprised, that's all.”
I chuckled, and remembering what happened a moment ago, I said hesitantly, ”So, uhm, I better go home now. Where will you go after here?”
Well, that turned out something wrong. It was as if I was inviting him to accompany me. And true enough, Ethan was smiling mockingly. Oh no.
”Okay. I didn't mean it that way. I meant to ask you of your plans for today-” I stopped talking when I saw him smile more. ”Uh, it still gives that impression, does it?”
Ethan nodded. I sighed frustratingly. ”Ugh whatever. Just answer the question Ethan.”
He chortled but still answered, ”I think I'll go back to the hospital first. I want to check on my patients before and talk to other doctors there. I want to get some fresh insights that might help me in our research.”
”Well, that's good Ethan. Just give me a call if there are problems at my apartment. And don't forget to call me when you fly back to Japan.”
Ethan chuckled. ”Always the worrywart. Don't worry Cass, I will.”