AFLOAT SEASON 1 Ep. 8

“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open.”

― Frank Zappa

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Brad ignored me and grabbing my hand, he pulled me towards a vacant table. Pulling out a chair he mouthed "please" at me. 


I was furious. Scratch that, livid is a better word; "I asked you a question. What are we doing here?" 

Just then a waitress dashed over with a thick menu and welcoming smile. 


Brad waved her off with a quick “Just a moment, thanks,” before turning to me. She hurriedly placed the menu on the table and walked away without a word.


"It's a Chinese restaurant! This is the newest spot in town." He said casually, like I had won a surprise dinner ticket.


I knew Brad’s sudden charm reeked of an agenda. I should’ve seen this coming. Without uttering a word, I turned to leave but his hand grabbed my wrist and held me back. I glared at him.


"Don't  go, please. Fine. The truth is, the designer has a tight schedule today but, he agreed to meet us here. I just need you to confirm his designs — and, and, they said that this guy is one of the best designers from the big city."


"So you lied..." my high pitch drew glances from other guests and Brad closed the space between us with a step.


"I am truly sorry." he said, cutting me off midsentence. "I figured that, that was the only way I could convince you to come with me. Dapper please, I need you."


I wanted to yell at him and walk out of that restaurant but a part of me desperately wanted to see our costume designs and also meet this great designer whoever he was. I was torn between going home and humouring Brad just to get a look at the designs.


"I thought..." he contiued when I remained silent; "I thought we could eat something while waiting instead of just sitting out there in the car." 


More lies, my skeptical mind judged as I tried not to roll my eyes at the insincere words he was spewing. I wriggled my fingers and he instantly unlatched my

"When is he getting here?"

"Two minutes or five max." He explained carefully.

Glancing at my wristwatch, I removed my back pack and reluctantly sat down. I was there already, so 2 minutes wouldn't hurt; I reasoned. 


I watched him flip through the menu while I folded my arms across my chest and played deaf as he threw questions about meal choices at me. Eventually he gave up and ordered for two.


“I am not hungry for any Chinese food.” I said the moment the waitress left.


“Come on Dapper. Relax and try it out. Never-say-never and who knows; a taste might convince you.”


You mean a taste would seal my lips? I muttered under my breathe. I didn't need to be a nerd to know that his earlier session with Mabel was the reason for the whole Chinese drama. But I kept my musings to myself while taking in the ambience of the restaurant. 


Unike the unassuming exterior, the interior was a moderate intimate Chinese theme. The overall vibe was welcoming, relaxing and comforting. For a new restaurant they were already doing well especially since almost all the tables were occupied. It was not as sophisticated as the hotels I had dined at with my brother during some of our trips but for our community it was an additional development.   


The aroma of the strange cuisine being served by the waitress made my stomach skip with ecstasy, so I fell for the temptation and picked up the chopsticks the moment she left. They felt strange so I dropped them and went for the familiar cutleries. 


“Listen Dapper. About what you saw earlier...” He paused.


Finally! I thought, almost laughing out loud; the man surely took forever to get to the crux of tonight's Chinese drama. He could have atleast waited for me to taste the meal, 


“I know what it looked like but...it — it’s not what — I mean, Mabby and I...”


Mabby? He calls Mabel, the Chairman’s wife Mabby? 

I paused my battle with the chopsticks and looked up to meet his eyes. What I saw in them came as a surprise. The answers I had been seeking were laid bare in them. It felt like looking into his soul. It was not a casual fling and Brad would never let go of her. 

I dropped my sticks and pushed away from the table. 

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