Chapter 156
Chapter 156 An Unlikely Lunch Date
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“Well, don’t just stand there. Lead the way,” Arabella said to Lucas, who seemed momentarily frozen.
“Alright. Since you’re serious, I’ll take you to see it,” Lucas replied, leading her toward the campus dining hall.
“You’ve even designed your cafeteria with an aviation theme. That’s a nice touch,” Arabella remarked, glancing around at the decor featuring model planes and vintage flight posters.
“We try. I’m glad it meets with your approval,” Lucas said, holding the door open for her.
“See anything you like? My treat,” Lucas offered with a generous smile.
Arabella shot him a look. “Not necessary. I’ll get my own.”
A faint smile touched Lucas‘ lips. “Okay, suit yourself.”
He then started pointing out various stations to her.
Arabella stared at the overwhelming array of options, feeling a brief moment of indecision.
Noticing her hesitation, Lucas suggested, “If you’re stuck, I highly recommend the pasta from Simon’s station. It’s a classic here. My usual go–to”
“Oh, really? I’ll try that, then.” Arabella walked over to the counter where a man was busy behind a steaming pot.
“One pasta, please,” she said.
“Coming right up!”
“Make that two, Simon,” Lucas added, stepping up beside her.
“Hey, Lucas! The usual for you?” the man, Simon Wood, asked cheerfully,
“You know it,” Lucas confirmed.
Lucas then turned back to Arabella. “What would you like to drink?”
“Just water is fine.”
“Two bottles of water, Simon,” Lucas called out.
“You got it!” It was only then that Simon seemed to really notice Arabella. A broad grin spread
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Chapter 156 An Unlikely Lunch Date
across his face. This was the first time he’d seen Lucas bring a girl to his station.
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“Lucas, your girlfriend is really pretty.” Simon couldn’t help but comment as he handed the
waters over.
Arabella was slightly taken aback. “Your eyesight needs checking. I’m not his girlfriend.”
“Aw, don’t be shy. First girl Lucas has ever brought by here. If you’re not his girlfriend, you his sister or something?” Simon teased, clearly not believing her.
“I really am not-” Arabella began, but Simon had already turned back to tend to the pastas.
Arabella frowned slightly at his stubborn assumption. Her gaze then shifted pointedly to Lucas.
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t say a word. He jumped to his own conclusions,” Lucas said, holding up his hands in an innocent gesture.
Arabella sighed, a little exasperated. “You can clear it up when he comes back out.” She then looked around. “How do I pay?”
Lucas pointed to a small digital kiosk with a card reader and a tap–to–pay symbol nearby. “Card or phone works.”
After tapping her phone to pay, Arabella went to find a table.
A faint, amused smile played on Lucas‘ lips as he carried the waters over and sat down across from her.
“Don’t let it get to you. People say things. Sometimes, the more you try to explain in these situations, the more complicated it gets,” he said raising an eyebrow.
Arabella just pursed her lips and stayed silent. Her mood had been slightly dented by the unnecessary confusion. She hoped these famous pastas would be worth the hassle. Otherwise…
After a short wait, Simon emerged from behind the counter carrying two generous, steaming plates.
He gave Arabella another cheerful look and carefully set a plate in front of her.
“Since when do you do table service, Simon?” Lucas asked casually, puzzled.
“Well, it’s a special occasion, isn’t it? First time at all. Gotta make a good impression,” Simon said, beaming at Arabella again. “Let me know if you want a refill. On the house.”
“What is your problem? I told you, I’m not his girlfriend,” Arabella retorted, fixing Simon
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Chapter 156 An Unlikely Lunch Date
with a stern look. Was the man not seeing or hearing clearly?
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Seeing Arabella’s expression harden, Lucas quickly interjected, “Alright, Simon, enough. She’s not my girlfriend. Seriously.”
“Huh?” Simon looked genuinely confused now. He’d been sure the lady was just being shy before. He glanced between the two of them, his expression turning sheepish. “Oh. Oh, I see. My mistake. Sorry about that.” He promptly made a discreet retreat back to his station.
“There. Crisis averted. Now, try the pastas,” Lucas said, deftly changing the subject.
Arabella gave Lucas one last mildly annoyed glance before picking up her fork to twirl a bite.
“Well?” Lucas asked, watching her closely.
Arabella tasted it thoughtfully. “Not bad at all.”
She refused to let the earlier awkwardness influence her review, giving a fair and honest assessment instead.
A genuine smile spread across Lucas‘ face. “Spoken like a true impartial judge. I’m glad it passes.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Did you think I’d deliberately trash his cooking just because of that silly mix–up?” Arabella asked flatly, staring at him.
“Some people might have. You didn’t, which proves you’re not ‘some people“,” Lucas teased lightly.
“Please. I’m not that petty,” Arabella scoffed, rolling her eyes slightly.
Just as they were speaking, Simon approached their table again, this time carrying a small platter with two side salads.
He looked apologetically at Arabella. “Again, sorry about the misunderstanding earlier. Here, try these. On me, as an apology.”
Seeing his sincere and now slightly embarrassed attitude, Arabella’s tone softened. “It’s fine. As long as we’re clear now. You don’t have to give us free food, though. I don’t like taking things for free. How much are these?”
“No, no, please. If you pay for them, it means you haven’t really accepted my apology, and I’ll feel even worse,” Simon insisted, waving his hands in a gesture of refusal.
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