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It took us about twenty minutes to reach the Chinese restaurant on Rayden Street. The popular clubbing district was bursting with activity even this late in the night.
“I’m starving,” I said, rushing out of the car as soon as he’d parked. “Come on.”
Noah climbed out and easily caught up to me as I walked through the doors of the restaurant.
The typical aroma of spices, high-heat frying, and steamed dumplings enveloped me as soon as I entered the dining area. My stomach groaned again.
Looking around, I spotted an empty table nearby. “Over there,” I said, grabbing Noah’s wrist and pulling him alongside me.
“Do you know what you’re getting?” he asked, picking up the laminated menu card.
“Yep,” I said, already waving my hand at a free waitress.
A young lady sauntered over to our table with her notepad. Her gaze stayed stuck on Noah while he remained oblivious to her, his eyes fixed on the menu in his hands.
“I’ll have the shrimp dumplings, chicken ginger soup, mixed Shanghai noodles, and a bowl of sweet and sour pork,” I fired my order.
Noah glanced at me. “That sounds good.” Looking over at the young girl with dark braids, he said, “I’ll have the same.”
“Uhh—yes, sure,” she muttered, hurrying to scribble on her notepad.
“Bring us some jasmine tea too,” I said.
“I’d like a beer,” said Noah.
“No way. You’re driving,” I reminded him. “Besides, try having your dumplings with hot tea. You’ll love it.”
“All right, then,” he agreed with an easy smile.
“Anything else?” asked the young waitress. She seemed a little more confident now. “We’ve got some cool desserts too.”
I looked over at Noah. He shook his head subtly.
“Maybe later,” I told the waitress.
Warmth and comfort stole through me. It felt amazing to be at a restaurant this late in the night with someone.
“Do you enjoy Chinese food?” Noah asked, attracting my attention back to him.
“Yeah. I love the flavors. Someday, I’d love to visit Shanghai and try out the authentic dishes.”
“I’d love to go with you.”
Sincerity shone in his silvery eyes.
My heart seemed to kickstart, pounding hard against my chest. A warm blush flooded my cheeks.
I couldn’t believe Noah was making me feel emotions other than fear and hatred. When did our dynamics change so drastically?
“Maybe after we’ve settled into our roles better,” I said slowly. “We can use up all our vacation days and travel.”
“I haven’t traveled anywhere,” he said as if making a confession. “It’s something to look forward to.”
The waitress brought us little porcelain cups and a blue-painted teapot. The subtle fragrance of jasmine enveloped us as she poured steaming tea into our cups.
Taking my cup, I took a grateful sip.
“I need sugar,” said Noah.
