Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Enough.” But Gilbert cut her off before Sherilyn could even get a word in.

He had to. Whatever Sherilyn was about to say, he could guess it with his eyes closed. “You’re about to refuse me, aren’t you?”

Sherilyn froze. Indeed, she couldn’t dare. After one refusal, Sherilyn lost her job at the Neon Nights Bar. What would she have left after another? Silence was her only recourse.

To Gilbert, that was annoying, but it was better than a refusal. At least she knew fear.

Glancing at his watch, a faint smile on Gilbert’s lips. “Check the time. I’m starving.”

He stood up, his gaze lingering on Sherilyn. “Sherilyn, join me for dinner.”

Sherilyn looked up, puzzled. The conversation had suddenly shifted to dinner. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The man raised an eyebrow. “Not coming? Want to irritate me further?”

“No!” Sherilyn quickly shook her head, biting her lip, stammering, “If I join you for dinner, can I go back to dancing at Neon Nights Bar?”

“Tsk.” Gilbert clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. “Asking for conditions just to share a meal, Sherilyn, you always been this tough to deal with?”

Sherilyn was shocked. If she was so tough to deal with, why did he even want her around?

He had ulterior motives!

“Let’s go.” Without waiting for her response, Gilbert turned and led the way. “Keep up!”

Left with no choice, Sherilyn hurried after him.

Once in the car, Gilbert asked Sherilyn, “What do you feel like eating?”

Sherilyn said, “Anything’s fine.”

“There’s no ‘anything‘ to eat,” Gilbert said, his irritation barely concealed. Was she being so casual about joining him for dinner?

Sherilyn was at a loss.

David interrupted from the driver’s seat, “Mr. Gilbert, Ms. Sherilyn hasn’t been back in Sunhaven in years. She’s probably not too familiar with it anymore.”

“Oh.” Gilbert reluctantly accepted this explanation, nodding. “Fine, I’ll decide. Let’s go to Cozyroom.”

He glanced at Sherilyn, adding, “I’m in the mood for some Western cuisine tonight. Is that fine with you?”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Sherilyn nodded repeatedly. What choice did she have?

They soon arrived at Cozyroom. Gilbert reserved a private booth and ordered the meal.

“Do you like these?” he asked Sherilyn as he picked out dishes.

“Yes.” Sherilyn nodded again. “Anything’s fine.”

“Okay,” Gilbert closed the menu, handing it to the waiter. “And bring us a bottle of red wine.”

Was he going to drink, too? Sherilyn braced herself, silently praying that he’d be in a better mood after the meal.

The food arrived, and they sat opposite each other. Gilbert enjoyed his steak and wine with apparent relish and grace. On the other hand, Sherilyn felt like she was chewing wax, worried she might get indigestion.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Gilbert looked up at her, noticing her untouched steak.

“Jeez…” He sighed, moved to her side, and took her knife and fork to cut her steak into bite–sized pieces carefully.

Then, handing back the utensils, he said, “There you go. Eat up.”

Returning to his seat, he smiled, “Were you planning to starve yourself if I didn’t cut it for you?”

Sherilyn was speechless. That wasn’t her intention at all. But, was Gilbert alright?

After finishing the meal, Gilbert stood up. “I’m full. Let’s head home.”

Sherilyn quickly put down her glass and followed him.

Suddenly, Gilbert stumbled, leaning heavily toward her.

“Gilbert!” Sherilyn was startled but managed to catch him.

Gilbert spread his arms, resting entirely in her embrace, his lips curving triumphantly.