When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 41: Shared meal

Chapter 41: Shared meal

Samuel breathed out in awe, his voice barely a whisper as he stared at the portrait. "Wow... is this really how I look to you?"

Zinnia stepped beside him, her smile warm as she admired the painting. "It’s how I see you," she said softly.

He couldn’t take his eyes off the painting. "I like it," he said, feeling something swell in his chest. "No... I don’t just like it, Zinnia. I love it."

Her smile widened, and she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then it’s yours," she said simply. "You can keep it."

Samuel’s face lit up with excitement as he turned to her. "Can I hang it at home?" he asked, his voice full of enthusiasm.

"Of course," Zinnia laughed lightly. "It’s your portrait now. Do whatever you want with it."

As they stood there, enjoying the moment, a loud growl echoed through the room. Zinnia blushed, laughing at herself. "Well, that’s embarrassing," she said, her cheeks flushed. "I think I’m starving. Let’s grab some food. It’s almost dinner."

Samuel chuckled at her sudden change of pace. "How about I cook for you?" he offered, his tone playful, though there was sincerity behind it that made her pause.

Zinnia shook her head, smiling as she waved him off. "No, I don’t want to tire you out after sitting still for so long. Let’s order something, or better yet, there’s a new restaurant nearby. Let’s try that instead."

Samuel smiled, a sense of contentment washing over him. "Alright," he agreed with a nod. "Lead the way."

Zinnia picked up her coat, and they left her studio, walking down through the gallery before stepping outside. Across the street stood the restaurant she had mentioned earlier.

When they walked in, a smiling hostess greeted them. "Good evening! Table for two?" she asked warmly.

"Yes, for two, please," Samuel confirmed, glancing at Zinnia, who nodded in agreement.

The hostess led them to their table, and Samuel, ever the gentleman, pulled out Zinnia’s chair before taking his seat. She smiled at the gesture, a hint of surprise lighting up her eyes.

"Thank you," Zinnia said softly, settling into her seat. Her smile lingered a little longer than usual.

As they looked over the menu, Samuel noticed something that made him pause. Every dish Zinnia suggested was one of his favorite foods. Grilled salmon, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables—it was as if she had memorized everything he liked.

When it was Samuel’s turn to order, he found himself doing the same. Without realizing it, he picked roasted chicken with lemon herb sauce, knowing full well it was Zinnia’s favorite. Along with a side of asparagus, just the way she liked it.

As they handed their menus back to the server, the realization hit them both. Zinnia glanced at him with a teasing grin. "So, you actually pay attention to what I like?" she teased. "I thought you only cared about your own food when we used to eat together."

Samuel felt his face warm, guilt and shyness creeping in. He couldn’t hide it anymore. He had noticed everything about her, from how she liked her tea to her favorite dishes. Even when he pretended not to care, he was always paying attention. It was hard for him to admit, but now, caught in the moment, he had no choice.

"Maybe I noticed a little more than you thought," he said, looking down, avoiding her gaze.

Zinnia’s eyes softened as she watched him, realizing how much he had been hiding behind that cold exterior. She smiled gently, deciding not to push him further. There was something sweet about seeing him like this—unguarded, even for just a moment.

Throughout the meal, Zinnia found herself stealing glances at him. There was something different about Samuel tonight. He seemed relaxed, more at ease than she’d ever seen him. His usual distant demeanor was gone, replaced by a quiet warmth she hadn’t expected.

Samuel, on the other hand, tried desperately to hide the fact that he was blushing. Every time he caught her looking at him, he quickly reached for the tissue, pretending to wipe his mouth to cover the smile that kept tugging at his lips.

’This feels like our first date,’ Samuel thought to himself, memories of their blind date flashing through his mind. He remembered how she’d glanced at him back then, just like this. Back when they barely knew each other, he’d felt strangely at ease with her. And now, that feeling was back—stronger than before.

The food arrived soon after, beautifully plated and smelling even better than it looked. The grilled salmon had a perfect golden crust, the mashed potatoes were creamy and rich, and the roasted chicken was tender with a bright lemon herb sauce. The dishes looked like something out of a magazine.

Before they started eating, Samuel leaned over and adjusted something on Zinnia’s plate—a small gesture, but one that didn’t go unnoticed. He wanted everything to be perfect for her, to take care of her, even in the smallest ways.

Zinnia felt her cheeks warm at his thoughtful gesture. She wasn’t used to this side of Samuel—the caring, attentive side. But it felt oddly good, like she was seeing a part of him she hadn’t before.

Dinner continued in comfortable silence. Both of them savored the food and the company. There was an unspoken connection between them tonight, something neither had expected when the day began.

As they finished their meal and got ready to leave, Zinnia stood up, smoothing down her dress. "That was really nice," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of surprise. "I didn’t expect today to turn out like this."

Samuel stood up as well, his eyes lingering on her for a moment. "Neither did I," he admitted, his voice calm, but there was something deeper in his tone. He reached for her coat, helping her into it, his movements slow and deliberate.

Zinnia glanced at him, catching his eye. "You’ve been... different today," she said, her words hesitant but honest. She wasn’t sure how to phrase it without making him uncomfortable, but she couldn’t ignore the shift she’d felt.