Chapter 6

She led him toward her SUV parked near the entrance, bracing against the cold air. Unlocking the doors, she motioned for David to get in. He climbed in to the passenger seat, silently giving thanks that it was not a subcompact. She turned the ignition key and quickly switched the stereo to a radio station. That swift move did not escape David’s attention. “What is she hiding now?” he thought as he switched the stereo back to the CD. The intro for “Sympathy for the Devil” came through the car speakers. Puzzled, he looked at Sophie who was blushing furiously. “What on earth could be wrong with listening to Rolling Stones?” He learned the answer few seconds later when Jon’s voice filled the car.

“Nice bootleg!” he laughed. “Please tell me you don’t have the one where I sing Tumblin’ Dice!”

“Actually, that’s the next track” said Sophie turning even redder.

“OK…OK… I give up!” he laughed and turned the stereo back to radio station.

Sophie gripped the steering wheel and tried to regain her composure. When she was reasonably certain that the color of her face was returning to normal, she turned to David and asked “So, where do you want to go? I mean, you did not tell me what you would like to eat!”

“I’m pretty easy in the food department” he smiled. “Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Burgers or grill would do.”

“McDonald’s or Burger King?” she asked raising eyebrows mockingly at him.

“Anything but that!” David groaned.

Sophie smiled and nodded as she put her MDX in drive and pulled out of the parking lot. They drove for couple of minutes in comfortable silence. Less then two miles from the hotel, Sophie pulled into a shopping center and came to a stop in front of a Japanese restaurant. “Gen” David read the sign and nodded approvingly. They walked in and were promptly seated at secluded table. A waitress came over to take their drink orders. David asked for Sake, Sophie opted for a diet Coke.

“What? I am the designated driver!” She laughed at the questioning look on his face.

David smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

They opened their menus and started to make their choices. After agreeing on sharing couple of appetizers and choosing their entrees they completed their order.
“So Sophie, can I ask what you were doing at the hotel?” he started, leaning back in his seat across from her.

“I was at a conference.” she replied.

“What kind of conference?”

“Nursing, wellness promotion, continuous education…that type of things”

“Soooo, you are a nurse?”

She sighed at the smug look on his face “Yes David I’m a nurse! And No I Don’t Do private duty, or give sponge baths….or anything else that just flashed through that mind of yours!” she answered and rolled her eyes.

“Please tell me you at least have the cap!” he raised an eyebrow.

“Nope, sorry to ruin that fantasy!”

She had to laugh at the look on his face, it was the look of a six year old who just caught his mom in the act of taking his tooth from under his pillow and replacing it with a shiny new quarter!

The waitress chose that moment to bring their drinks and appetizers. Silently thanking her for the interruption, Sophie decided to change the topic.

“So what brings you to our neck of the woods?” she asked.