25 Awkward Reunion (2/2)
Antoine enjoyed the dynamic couple in front of him and couldn't help watching in awe. No matter from which angle he tried to see them, it still looked like Lyra was the one with Kurtis. He could tell he wasn't the only one.
When another waiter came bringing dessert, she failed to hide her surprise upon noticing the identical twins. Her candid expression earned a good laugh all around the table.
Not trusting her self-discipline with the sweets in front of her, Angela decided to go powder up on the restroom. Not even half way into dessert, Antoine had to take an emergency call and excused himself before walking out the restaurant spouting complete French language; thus, unintentionally leaving the two in-laws alone at the table.
”Lyra,” Kurtis called gently to get her attention. ”You made us really worried.”
The girl continued to eat her chocolate ganache cake while helping herself to some of Antoine's untouched soufflé.
”How could you just leave like that?”
She continued to eat with an appetite as big as the sea, deliberately ignoring him as she saw no fun in answering such dull questions.
”Was it because you were scared of…that man?” the brother-in-law tried to be as delicate as he could, not wanting to refer to him as anything more dangerous than the intruder demonstrated he was.
To his surprise, that actually triggered some sort of response. Lyra paused for a split second before bringing her fork back to her mouth and continuing to chew.
”Rose told me…” Kurtis said. ”I know it must've been terrifying, but you shouldn't have hid it from us.”
Lyra was trying so hard to just finish dinner, but he just had to pry. Slamming her fork down the table, she produced a big smile just for her concerned brother-in-law to finally get the hint.
”If my sister knows and she hasn't even confronted me about it, then I see no reason why it should be your business to approach me about it first.”
It felt good, being able to convey her feelings while looking him in the eye and not shy away from his sincere expression.
Kurtis was taken aback by the unexpected frosty bite in her usual pleasant warm voice. She looked upon him with this hidden intensity that he couldn't see, but most definitely felt. It wasn't something he hadn't ever experienced before considering his abundant experience in dealing with so many different people, but coming from Lyra, it felt slightly more threatening.
Seeing that he probably crossed the line that Rose always suggested he did way too often, Kurtis backed down.
”I didn't mean to pry,” he said softly, beckoning the waiter to rush the check. ”I'm sorry,” he apologized out of courtesy, much to Lyra's irritation since she wasn't accustomed to hearing that word from him.
In fact, that was the word she wanted least from him. It wasn't his fault. She could want it to be his fault, but in the end, her feelings were hers to control. If anything, she should be the one apologizing for being such a spoilt sport.
”It's okay.”
”I'm glad you're okay,” Kurtis dropped his heartfelt words before putting on his coat and offering to leave first to pull up the car.
He chose a good time to leave because his sister-in law wasn't sure she was prepared to handle any more of him.