Chapter 6
"This is nice." Luther beamed at her from across the table. They had been escorted to a table near the window which had a view of the streets. La Cafeteria was a busy and bustling diner that catered to mostly the people in the business district and was run and operated by a rotund woman and her very thin, dark-haired daughter. The woman called herself 'La Rosa' and could be heard chatting cheerfully with everyone who came in. Her English accent was thick and her laughter loud. Antoinette fell in love with the general ambience.
"It is," Antoinette agreed as she looked around.
"So, Antoinette, what are you having? I must remind you that my Spanish is lousy at best. I tend to butcher the pronunciation."
"So, I recall." Picking up the embossed menu, she scanned it. "The Tostada con tomate, aceite, y jamon sounds delicious. I had it at the palace and enjoyed the taste of it."
He gave her an admiring look at her perfect diction and accent.
"You speak the language very well."
"I have an ear for language." She gestured to the thin-looking woman who came over instantly and placed their orders.
"I'm happy you did not stand me up."
She gave him a curious stare over her glass of water. "Why would I do that?"
Shrugging elegant shoulders, he opened his napkin carefully. To her amusement, he tucked it precisely inside his collar.
"I've not had much luck with the ladies."
"Since you've been here?"
"Since before," he admitted ruefully. "I have to compliment you on your hair."
"Oh." She had decided against leaving it loose and had braided it to one side, the fat plait resting on her left breast.
"Thanks."
"And your eyes are magnificent," he continued.
She lifted a brow at him. "Are we going to spend the time we have itemizing my assets?"
He grinned at her sheepishly. "I'm very awkward around beautiful women."
"You're quite the charmer," she commented.
"You don't sound pleased with my compliments. I hope you don't think this is a pick-up line."
"It wouldn't matter." She paused when the waiter came over with their order.
"Gracias."
"De nada." The man flashed her a flirtatious smile before wandering away.
"The Spanish are a flirtatious lot," Luther remarked.
"So, I've discovered. Have you been back to the states since you've been living here?"
Luther considered pursuing the line of conversation he had started but decided not to push his luck. "Once. Just to tie things up, get rid of my apartment and put my stuff in storage." He stirred extra cream in his coffee and took an appreciative sip. "I have no family left back home, so there are no ties whatsoever. What about you? Any family?"
"It was just my mother and she died recently. So, no."
"I'm sorry for your loss."
She nodded.
