Page 23 of Resist

“No. I’m gonna have the salt and pepper squid.”

I laughed again and topped up my glass of wine.

“Will that be all?” the waitress asked.

Her presence over my shoulder startled me; I’d completely forgotten she was still hovering. “Yes. Thank you.”

She nodded, collected our menus, and then told Lucas she’d be back in no time with his beer. He acknowledged her with a smile but kept his eyes on me.

“You look really nice tonight, Helena. Purple suits you.”

Glancing down at my tight-fitted, deep plum, deep plunge, Pasduchas dress, I suddenly felt exposed, so I picked up my white linen napkin to lay across my lap. “Thank you. Purple is an exotic colour associated with power, wisdom and wealth. It’s regal and looks good on most people.”

“Well, it looks really fucking good on you.”

My cheeks purpled, and I bet that didn’t look ‘really fucking good’.

“Is it your favourite colour?” he added, now seemingly nervous by the way he rearranged his cutlery.

I shook my head. “No.”

“Then what is?”

“Green.”

“Really? I would’ve taken you for a red kind of woman.”

“Oh, I like red, very much, and I use it to my advantage, but it’s not my favourite colour. Surrounding yourself in red can conflict your emotions because red is both passionate and dangerous. Green, on the other hand, is … peaceful. It’s the most natural of colours and symbolises hope and life. It’s also great for relieving stress.”

He pulled an I-didn’t-know-that face.

“Have you ever wondered why most television studios have a ‘green’ room?”

Smiling at me, as if I were an amusing street performer, Lucas shook his head.

“Because most people are nervous before appearing on television.” I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?” I scrubbed my hand over my nose and cheeks.

He chuckled. “No, your face is absolutely perfect.”

My so-called perfect face blushed. “Lucas.”

“What?”

“You can’t say that to me.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s inappropriate.” I sipped my wine.

“I disagree.”

“How could you disagree?”

“Becausenottelling you your face is perfect would be inappropriate.”

My mouth opened but no words came out.

“Wanna see a neat toothpick trick?” he asked, changing the subject.