Chapter 43 Are We Friends Now?
Olivia took off her coat and laid it on the chair. “He’s at school.”
Brian replied, “Oh. Was he alright that day?”
Olivia took a deep breath. “Not too bad. I thought he was fine until I found out about his bruised knee after getting home. Some parts were even bleeding. I have no idea what caused the injuries.”
Looking slightly heavy-hearted, Brian asked, “Is that woman your younger sister from a different mother?”
“Yes,” Olivia responded rather reluctantly. No longer wanting to talk about that, Olivia intentionally changed the topic. “How’s your health?”
Brian sounded rather perfunctory as well when he said, “It’s alright.”
After that, Olivia turned around, took out a metal box from her handbag, and gave it to Brian. “This is for you.”
This somewhat baffled Brian. “What’s this?”
“These are candies. You should bring some of them with you next time and take one every time you feel unwell. It has different kinds of flavors and this is one of my favorite brands. It reminds me of my childhood.”
Brian was pleasantly surprised and then naturally let out a smile. “Thanks.”
Olivia responded, “Don’t be a stranger. This is nothing compared to this expensive meal that you’re buying me.”
Brian smiled, looking like a graceful gentleman. “I guess my life is still worth something, isn’t it? How can one meal be sufficient to pay you back for saving my life?”
“It doesn’t work that way. It doesn’t matter how expensive a meal is or how many times you buy me one; it’s about how you were willing to help me out when I needed it the most. I’ll forever remember your help. I guess that makes us even.”
Brian chuckled and commented, “It sounds like you’re breaking up with me.”
Olivia guffawed. “That’s not what I meant. What I’m saying is we don’t have to be so formal with each other.”
Looking at her, Brian appeared to look somewhat shy. “If you don’t let me use this excuse again, how am I going to ask you out for a meal next time?”
This caught Olivia off guard. She smiled and then said, “Why do we need an excuse to have a meal together? We can do this anytime.”
Brian was a little shocked to hear that. “Really? So we’re friends?”
Olivia nodded and agreed, “Of course. I saw your restaurant’s sign on the internet the other day. Personally, I feel that it looks heart-warming and generous.”
Smiling, Brian replied, “I don’t want to have customers like them.”
Olivia asked, “Will being so picky bring you any problems?”
Brian looked startled. “Problems? It’s my restaurant, so it’s my call.”
At this juncture, the server showed up. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but your food is ready.”
Olivia quickly put the things on the table away while Brian still held on to the candy box and asked, “Have you had any of these before?”
“Yes. All the time back in the days.”
“You like candies?”
Olivia agreed, “Not too bad. I’d have one of them whenever I was in a bad mood. Something sweet can really brighten your day. Try it. It’s pretty effective. I like the green ones the most—they’re apple-flavored.”
Brian opened the candy box and picked up a green candy. “You’re making me want to try it.”
Olivia laughed heartily. “Look at you. Let’s eat first.”
Brian followed suit and laughed. “I’ll save it for later then.”
Olivia nodded as if she sensed something, and her gaze inadvertently fell on a couple not far away from them.
The guy there was huge and looked stony-faced whereas the lady was tall and looked somewhat arrogant. Right now, they were looking in their direction.
Olivia frowned. Isn’t that Eugene and the lady with the doctorate in medicine? Her name is… Penny.
Then, Olivia smiled and greeted them. “What a coincidence!”
Eugene had a smile on his face and responded, “You’re right. Penny said she wanted to eat their steak, and she’s making me pay for her.”
Penny frowned and grumbled rather flirtatiously, “Eugene, what do you mean by that? You promised me before.”
Eugene remained silent.
Meanwhile, Olivia smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond. If she was the one buying the meal today, she would probably have invited them to join Brian and her.
