Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 214

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Theodore said. “And besides, the waiter can crack the crab for you if you want.”

“I just want the crab risotto! If you want crab so badly, can’t you just order it yourself?” It was a rare moment of petulance from her, especially after five years of always catering to his preferences.

Theodore looked a little taken aback.

Emma’s reaction was abrupt. In the past, she’d always said things like, “What do you feel like eating?” or, “Sure, let’s go with your choice.” Or simply, “I’m easy. Anything’s fine.”

Still, he let out a small laugh. “It’s just crab risotto. I think we can afford that. Do you really have to make such a big deal out of it?”

He closed the menu and handed it to the waiter. “That’s all for us. Add a vegetable side, just pick something you recommend.”

Emma couldn’t help but recall something Theodore himself used to say: “Unprompted kindness means someone wants something.”

Theodore’s sudden invitation to dinner, plus the way he kept insisting she choose the dishes—this smacked of “unprompted kindness.” Clearly, he had something on his mind tonight.

Hopefully, he’d at least wait until after dinner. She just wanted to enjoy the meal in peace.

Fortunately, he didn’t spoil the mood.

She actually had a good appetite today. Of course, the portions here were tiny. For example, the braised pork dish had only four pieces—she and Theodore each took two, then it was gone. She mixed the leftover sauce with her rice and devoured a whole bowl. Honestly, she could’ve eaten more, but there was still the crab risotto to come.

Theodore was acting oddly tonight, too—he kept glancing at her as he ate.

Emma pretended not to notice. Only after she’d finished her meal did she finally set down her fork. “If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”

Theodore’s hand froze, fork halfway to his mouth. “Is that any way to talk to me?”

“Well, why else do you keep sneaking looks at me like that?”

He had been planning to talk to her about something, but suddenly—he didn’t feel like it anymore. At least, not now.

Emma instinctively slipped out of his grasp, stood up on her own, and picked up her purse, heading for the door.

She didn’t see the look on Theodore’s face behind her, and she didn’t intend to look back.

All the way home, Emma thought about bringing up the subject of picking up her grandmother.

She was just gathering her thoughts when Theodore came out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of fruit. He set it in front of her. “You finished both baskets of redberries already?”

He actually brought up the redberries himself. She gave him a curious look.

“Oh…” He gave a small laugh. “I’m not that petty, you know. If you like them, that’s all that matters. They go bad quickly, anyway.”

“I soaked them in brandy this afternoon.” She knew how quickly they spoiled, so while cooking lunch, she’d soaked them in liquor on a whim. Whoever wanted to eat them next—well, it wasn’t her problem anymore.