17

17

The silence stretched on, unbearably thick, until Sophie, now visibly uncomfortable, hastily pushed the plate away. “I think we’ll be going,” she muttered, her voice trembling slightly. Maureen nodded quickly, the two of them scrambling to gather their things, eager to escape the charged atmosphere.

“No one is going anywhere. I said, what's going on here?” He insisted. And Maureen faked a smile immediately.

“Oh Xavier! I invited the famous food critic, Sophie. She's so in demand. But I thought she'd be perfect for a munchkin with chef Anna.” Maureen whined flirtatiously. “Okay, Sophie…you don't like the food here?” Xavier asked and Sophie smiled. “It just doesn't say anything, there's no pizzazz!” Sophie mocked cracking up with Maureen.

“Well, food critic, I think it says a lot…” Xavier tried to say but Anna cut him off. “Xavier.” Anna called, holding him closer.

“I'm sorry. But the high culinary world has its own set of definitions and rules.” Sophie chuckled.

“Nah, I've been to l