Train observed the way Torren stood up and held the chair for Shawney to sit. "Thank you very much, Torren."
Waiting until he was seated before Shawney held out her hands holding theirs saying. "Firstly I want to thank you two very much for coming to share this special dinner with me. I was hoping this year I would be home to share this day with my Dad, but it's God's will that I am here instead."
Torren eyes never left her face, he noticed when she closed her eyes and whispered. "Father, I thank you for this meal and these precious people joining in this meal with me. Lord, Bless this meal and I ask that You reach out and touch those who haven't eaten in days, even those who haven't had a meal this day. Father, help them and make a way Lord, I ask all these mercies in Jesus' name, Amen.
Opening her eyes before she asks Torren, "Now Torren, are you on a diet?" Jessy couldn't help observing how his lip twitched as he smiled. Wondering what he must be thinking about.
Torren recalled her words earlier, then his father's words that her dad died, and now what she had said.
Still a bit confused but he could clearly understand now when she prayed that she was speaking about God, her Father. because her natural father is dead.
Getting no response from Torren she said without hesitating, "Torren will you give me your plate, please? I didn't expect the portions to be this much." Still no response she took his plate.
Putting half of her portion of rice, and the same with the vegetables. "Torren do you eat lamb and pork?"
Shawney noticed him blink realizing he hadn't heard a word she said she asked gently, "Torren, do you eat lamb and pork?"
When he nodded and realized what she was doing he said, "Shawney will you stop that, people are looking at us."
Hearing her chuckle as she speaks, "Torren we are in a private room, we can see those outside but they cannot see us so relax and I don't know about you two but I love lobster and steam wontons. As you can see I took extras so we can have our fill."
With the two so quiet Shawney laughed, "I hope we are not celebrating a funeral meal the way you two are quiet, now Torren, can I take a few of the shrimp?"
"Sure, take what you want."
Train noticed she just ignored Torren's and took a few shrimps and a piece of his pie then returned his plate. With excitement in her voice, she said with a smile, "Now we both have the same thing to eat."
Torren looked at both plates and smiled, his eyes never left her face, especially the way she looked so happy.
We ate in silence but there was a glow on Shawney's face that soothed my heart and helped me to relax immensely.
When Dad and I finished, she had already wiped her mouth and pushed aside her plate browsing through the dessert menu.
She was so caught up viewing the dessert menu that she wasn't aware that we were finished eating.
Hearing her whispers, "This cheesecake is looking so delicious I think. I will have the pistachio with almonds ice cream and cheesecake, now what do you two want?"
Train on the other hand was so stuffed he just wanted to stretch. Everything Shawney had selected for their dinner was so mouthwatering. He just wanted to relax and watch the both of them enjoy themselves. He didn't want to offend her with such a kind offer so he said in a kind note, "Child, I would just like a cup of coffee to settle all this food."
Looking at Torren after Mr Mac Carty decided on just coffee, "Torren how about the black forest cake, it looks delicious?"
Shawney secretly watches his face to read out the expression, having to fight back the urge to laugh as he twitches his nose. Shawney was expecting to hear him say no, but just then he responds, "I don't like chocolate Shawney."
With her sweet chuckling that dispelled all doubt and fear of her not having any money he smiled. When she responds, "Okay, how about the cheesecake then?"
"If it's not a problem."
"Problem, hello why would it be a problem?"
Wanting to desperately ignore the thought that the cheesecake here is a pound and a crown. 'God, she doesn't seem to have any fear of anything.'
With her constant urging, "Come on tell me which cake you prefer?"
Shawney smiled waiting patiently for him to choose. "Since we shared the same dinner, how about we have the same dessert?"
Watching her excitement as she claps her hand, "Oh, that sounds so wonderful."
Seeing that she was pleased with his decision when she said. "Oh! Torren, this is my best Valentine's dinner, I will never forget it."
Looking at both of them conversing so happily, Train thought, 'I can't believe she has done such a fantastic job this first evening with Torren.
The entire evening he hasn't taken his eyes away from her, she is amazing drawing his full attention.'
As incidents flashback of the past week, how he was so fidgety. I was afraid the crowd would cause him to react, knowing if he was among more than twenty people he would make a scene. Yet the restaurant was full and not once did he flinch. Could it be because Shawney had chosen this transparent private room?
It appears as though he hasn't noticed or paid any attention, and if he did then I must admit Shawney is a miracle worker.' Glancing towards the dance floor, Train suggested to them.
"Why don't you two join the others on the dance floor, and when Robin comes I will order your dessert."
"Thanks, Dad, that's a wonderful idea, I need to work out all this food Shawney had me eating."