Jayden strolled the short distance to SAN and waited for Alex to turn up. He found the place pleasant this evening as compared to the hectic pace of that Saturday afternoon. The mood and the atmosphere were just right for a first date. The lovely soothing Southeast Asian music, the golden hue of light from the waterfall chandelier, and the cozy décor of red, gold, and brown all set the theme for a romantic night. A pretty young waitress placed two menus in front of him, poured him a glass of water, and politely told him she’d be back when his friend arrived. Jay nodded pleasantly and then scanned the menu. A moment later, he saw Alex entering the restaurant.
“Hey,” she said, sliding into the chair opposite him.
“Hey,” he replied. “How was work?”
“Good. Have you ordered?” she asked, taking off her jacket.
“No, I was hoping you’d be able to help me,” he said sheepishly.
“That I can,” she replied, picking up the menu. “Don’t worry. The food here is very healthy. Do you like barbeque?”
“Yep.”
“Good. I think you should go for the Fusion. You get all kinds of barbeque meat in Cambodian style.”
“Sounds good. I’ll have that.”
“Okay,” Alex said, smiling.
Once the young waitress had taken their orders, Jay held out the shopping bag toward Alex.
Alex glanced up to see the pink bag, which looked oddly familiar, dangling in front of her. “For me?”
He nodded. She took it and peeked inside. She saw the neatly folded singlets and bra. The singlets were exactly the same as the one he spilled beer on, and the bra was unlike any she had ever used before. This one was pretty with pink laces and frills. She usually wore plain black or white. She blushed and gazed at him, her eyes large.
“You don’t have to do that, you know.” She couldn’t imagine how on Earth he managed to buy her underwear.
“I know, but I want to, considering the fact that I’ve destroyed your singlet. Well, aren’t you going to thank me?”
Alex blushed. “Thank you.” She didn’t mind accepting the gift. After all, he did damage her singlet. Not that it was completely damaged, of course. It was still wearable.
“Hey, I’ve got something for you as well,” she said and took out his jersey from her bag. “Here.”
“Oh, whoa, thank you very much. You didn’t forget after all.”
“Nope, I didn’t. Okay, let’s get down to business, then.”
Jay leaned forward. “Look, I’ll be leaving in two days’ time. How much are you asking?”
Alex bit her lip. “Are you sure you don’t mind about the price?”
“Nope.”
“Thing is I’m not exactly sure as yet. Can I tell you when I know? It’s the full price for Dad’s heart transplant.”
Jay studied her for a moment and then nodded. “Sure, that’s fine. But since I’m leaving soon, I’ll give you my cell phone number and my e-mail address. How about that?”
Alex agreed with a nod of her head.
Their food arrived, and Alex watched as Jay enjoyed his various barbeque meats marinated in sauces he has never tasted before.