True Love Waits

"All right, I'll let you be. Have a good time over there," Debbie said.

"I will. Bye, Mom," Evelyn replied.

Debbie hung up and turned to Miranda, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her news about her granddaughter. "Piggy said she is fine. She is out having dinner."

"Did she sound happy?" Evelyn's mood was Miranda's biggest concern. She had been diagnosed with depression, after all. Everybody in the family was worried about her. They wanted her to be happy, above all.

Debbie reflected on the phone call. "She sounded relaxed. She said the food is delicious. I think she is happy, Mom," she said with a smile.

Miranda was relieved to hear that.

After Evelyn had finished talking to her mom on the phone, Sheffield bought her some steamed sweet potato with cheese.

She frowned at the smell of cheese.

He opened the foil. It was so hot that steam erupted from it. He spooned some and placed it near her lips. "Have a taste. There was a long line in front of the store. It should be delicious." Evelyn shook her head. "I don't like it."

Sheffield was surprised. "The sweet potato or the cheese?"

"The cheese." She hated cheese.

Sheffield ate the entire thing without another word.

Evelyn had a lot of food. All snacks. Touching her huge belly, she said, "I'm stuffed."

She hadn't eaten so much in a long time.

"Are you sure? I can take you somewhere else for some staple food." Sheffield didn't think she had eaten much. He was worried that she wasn't used to these kinds of street foods.

"No, thanks. I'm too full already." She had always been strict with her diet while she was home, and took additional care with her dinners.

of mind. Deep

the food that Evelyn couldn't finish,

was the bar street, which came to life as night

front of the bars, young, good-looking men and women were soliciting business. Sheffield chose a quiet, fancy-looking bar and walked inside with

was dimly lit. A man was playing the guitar and singing, "I'm a thinker, never good at expressing my feelings with expressions. I am always hoping and always disappointed..." Heads turned to Sheffield and

stripped Evelyn with their eyes. Some even stood up from their chairs with the intention of picking her up. Sheffield could sense the carnal desire flowing out of those men's eyes. He took her hand in his to make

Evelyn was worried that he would order liquor for her. That would definitely

front of her and asked, "What would you like to drink?" Then, he leaned in and whispered into her ear, "The liquor in this city is shoddy and the wine is likely to be counterfeit. Beer would be the best option. We can also order a fruit platter and some nuts. When we are back

was okay with her. So, she

the waiter turned to leave. But Sheffield called out to

"Yes, sir."

"Fruit tea? I thought we were having

the music, Sheffield explained, "It's for you. You said you were stuffed. Beer will only make it worse. The beer is for me." She sighed and turned to

seldom come to this kind of place?"

City; same in America." She didn't like bars and their atmosphere. Sheffield had guessed

or go to the border." A small town in D City adjoined A Country and Q Country. It was well-known for its beautiful view. "The border is

served the plate of nuts they had ordered. Sheffield pushed

was flattering her.

her. He stopped and his eyes dimmed. "Are

she had meant. But she nodded, "Yes."

I won't leave

how you

me." His tone dripped with arrogance. He handed her the peeled nuts. "This is my first time pursuing a woman. I'm a greenhorn at this kind of thing. So, if I'm doing something wrong, please

that?" She wasn't born yesterday. Everything he did told her that he was

will

platter and the tea were served soon

and said, "Excuse me for a minute. Be right back.