Beautiful Hue
Chapter Eight

Sarah and I sit down at a nearby diner. As I sit across from her, I look out of the window watching the snow fall. She orders herself some tea.

“Will that be all?” The waitress asks.

“Yes ma’am,” Sarah replies.

“Anything for you sir?” She asks.

I turn around towards her and grab a menu. I open it and instantly close it.

“Just a coffee please.” I say to the waitress before she walks away.

As the waitress leaves, Sarah stares at me.

“What?” I ask.

“You’ve been off lately.” She says.

“I’ve been fine.” I respond with a smile.

“Sure.” She says, as she looks at the menu.

“I am. Why do you think I’ve been off?” I ask.

“Your energy has just been different, the last couple of times I’ve seen you.”

“Sarah. I’m fine, I promise.” I say.

“So are you ready for Monday?” She changes the subject.

“Never been more prepared.”

“Good. So how did you get this new assistant?” She asks.

“She’s getting some experience with me. After this movie she’s going to be starting a job with an agency, so Jeff is just giving her some field-work.”

“Sounds nice. She likes you.” Sarah says.

“What?”

“I can tell by the way she looks at you and how hard she works for you. It almost seems personal.”

“Well, it’s not.”

“Sure.”

“She’s doing her job. That’s it.” I say.

“Alright Ben. No need to get hostile.”

“Sarah, is there something you need to tell me?” I ask.

The waitress arrives with our drinks. Sarah and I order our food.

“I’ll have the meat lovers meal.” I say.

“Would you like your eggs scrambled or fried?” She asks.

“Fried please.”

“And for you, ma’am?” The waitress asks.

“I’ll just have one egg, over-easy and toast please.” Sarah requests.

“Coming right up.” The waitress says.

As she walks away, my phone rings. I take it out and see Bridget’s name pop up on the caller ID.

“One second.” I say, as I sit across from Sarah. “Yeah?” I say in a professional tone.

“You’re not in your room?” Bridget says.

“No, I’m at breakfast with Sarah.” I respond.

“Alright, I just wanted to let you know that the museum closed, due to bad weather. Is there anything else you would like to do?” Bridget asks.

“Call Jeff and ask him if he has any plans. If not, tell him that we’re going to my parents house for dinner.”

“Alright.” She responds.

As I get off of the phone with Bridget, the waitress brings our food to the table.

“Thank you.” I say, as the waitress places my food in front of me. “Do you want to go to my mom’s, for dinner later?” I ask.

“Sure.” Sarah instantly, smiling as we begin eating.

Sarah and I sit in silence for the remainder of breakfast. I can’t tell what’s on her mind. Is this even Sarah that’s been talking to me for the last few days. Each bite I take of my food is almost tasteless as so many thoughts of confusion roam in my brain. She leaves without saying goodbye. I get into my ride and escorted back to the hotel. I go back to my room for a nap. As I lay down, I receive a text from Bridget.

“Jeff says he can’t make it, but sends his love. He has to go back to LA for a meeting that he has in the morning.” Bridget texts.

I close my phone and my eyes quickly follow.