Fire And Flame

Brandon chuckled at her answer. He drove off to a nearby restaurant. It wasn't looking extravagant as Laura imagined it to be, as having lunch with the top CEO in a restaurant would probably look like a five-star hotel? But, this was a very simple restaurant. There was an old lady who were at the reception, writing something on a piece of paper. The interior of the restaurant was pale, not very eye-catching. But, the paintings caught Laura's interest. There were paintings of an old couple playing around with children, another one was of a young couple holding a baby, the other one was of a beautiful old lady who was smiling and had only two teeth left. There were paintings of many children playing, and learning how to cook.

But why were these painted? They could've picture framed it by a photographer… Laura thought to herself.

"The couple loves to paint. The old lady is better than her husband at painting though..." Brandon smiled looking at how intensely Laura was looking at those paintings.

"I see… looks beautiful." Laura turned to face and smiled. As said earlier, her smile captured joy and happiness.

"Come let us order food. We have to go to the reception, will you stay here and I shall order for you?" he asked.

"No, I would love to order and see what's their speciality."

"Okay." both walked towards the reception.

"Brandon dear, how come you're here today?" the old lady named Mary asked. She was happy to see him after a long time.

"I am here to have lunch with my friend Laura, Mary." Brandon introduced Laura to the Mary.

"Good afternoon, Mary. How are you?" Laura extended her right hand for a handshake, but the lady walked away from her. It was awkward.

Mary came out of the reception table by walking through the side door and went to hug Laura.

"We accept hugs, not handshakes." she hugged Laura which made Laura happy. She felt her heart touched by Mary's hug. She hugged her back.

"She has the prettiest smile. Are you hiding your girlfriend from me by saying that she is just your friend?" Mary teased Brandon.

Listening to this, both Laura and Brandon looked at each other in shock.

This old lady can blurt out anything without even thinking, Brandon thought to himself.

"Ah, no, she isn't my girlfriend, Mary." Brandon looked at Laura who was still looking at him with disbelief.

After all, seeing such a good looking pair, anyone would guess them to be a couple.

"Haha… I'm just joking, Brandon. Seeing you here with a girl made me happy for a second. But, I guess you will remain single. Laura, are you single?" Mary was actually very curious this time.

"Uh- y-yes… I am single..." Laura murmured.

"Are you planning to starve us?" Brandon asked calmly without any sign of irritation, even though he was feeling awkward to the core.

"Ah, yes. Laura, what do you eat? Chicken or seafood? We only sell chicken and seafood here alongside some vegetarian dishes." Mary asked.

"Both. I eat both chicken and seafood." Laura smiled.

"Okay, then… I will go prepare something very delicious. And yes, I know what you will eat, Brandon. You both go have your seat and wait for food." after saying this, Mary went inside the kitchen.

After sitting, Laura looked at Brandon who also stared back at her.

"Did you come here often when you were young?" Laura asked and her face glowed up out of amus.e.m.e.nt and curiosity. Seeing the closeness and the bonding between Brandon and Mary, as they looked like a mother-son pair, she was sure that he has known the old woman for many years now. Though she tried to not behave like she used to in front of Lily, but coming to this restaurant and talking to Mary, she felt like she was at home. The place was so comforting and felt like home.

"I did. They took care of me when I was young by cooking for me." Brandon spoke as he twirled the rose, kept inside a small pot and smiled.

"That's nice..." Laura was confused. Why would a CEO of the top company eat food from an outsider? What was his background?

"She is my grandma's best friend." he clarified her thoughts.

"Oh..." Laura smiled. She figured out.

"YES YOU, MR.BRANDON REYNOLDS, HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!?" a man shouted as he entered the restaurant through the back door which frightened Laura.

What was happening here?