Looking at Torren after Mr MacCarty 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. But thank God Dad is here; he will offset whatever she falls short.'
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 hands, just like a little child who got the toy he wanted, "Oh, that sounds so wonderful."
Observing that she was pleased with his decision, 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 of the past week flash back, Train recalls how fidgety he was. I was afraid the crowd would cause him to react, knowing that if he were 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, and had already intended to invite him for this special dinner?'
Smiling Train couldn't help but feel proud of his choice. 'It appears that her charm has distracted him, and he hasn't noticed or paid any attention to the crowd and surroundings, 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."
Torren didn't hesitate a bit, wanting to hold her the moment he saw how beautiful she looked in the red gown. Thanks, Dad, that's a wonderful idea. I need to work out all this food Shawney had me eating."
Torren could see the frown on her face and knew immediately she was displeased by his words.
When she retorts a bit meanly, "Oh, so now it's I had you eating, next time I will invite someone who won't complain,"
Holding her hand in his, he tried to soothe her, "Shawney, I am sorry, I am not complaining, my dinner was most pleasing. Now let's go to the dance floor. I haven't danced in years."
Shawney's heart gave a jolt, which pleased her immensely to see Torren smile. His handsomeness has her dumbfounded from the moment he steps out of his room.
Not wanting to disappoint him, Shawney dipped her head and said, "Torren, I cannot dance in this huge crowd."
Hearing him laugh, when he said in a sweet tone of voice not to offend her, "Please spare me the excuse, I know you can dance."
Having no choice, Shawney interrupted him by saying, "Torren, I am speaking the truth. I really cannot dance in a room full of people. I might crush someone's foot, and that will be embarrassing."
Holding her hand, Torren was surprised as he observed a slight fear. Wanting to comfort her, he said, "Then, it will be my honour to teach you."
Shawney, on the other hand, didn't want to disappoint him but spoke her heartfelt truth, "Sorry, my friend, I might step on someone's feet and spoil their evening."
At that moment, Torren took her hand in his and stroked it, "Shawney, from what I observed earlier today, you are a romantic at heart, and the songs are slow. Now, no more excuses, and I don't want you to worry. I will keep you close to me so you won't be mashing anyone's feet."
Lifting her eyes, looking at his face for some reassurance, "Are you sure, Torren?"
"Yes, I am sure." Noticing him, he stood up and came to her chair, reaching out his hand as a perfect gentleman.
Torren knew at that very moment she was speaking the truth, "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Hearing her laugh brings joy to his heart, and Dad is smart. 'My job is to get her away from the table, so when the waiter comes with the cheque, Dad will deal with that.'
After she steps on my toes a few times, having no choice, when he notices the other dancers around us bounce her.
I slightly lifted her so she was on my instep. Hearing her chuckles, Torren says to her. "Now there's no need to worry."
Torren could sense her unhappiness when she announced, "But I am on your feet and might fall."
Torren laughed, embracing her, "No, you won't, I am holding you close to me."
Hearing him speak with such confidence, Shawney finally relaxed. feeling so relieved, "Thank you, Torren, and please don't let me go, I don't want to fall and be embarrassed."
"You won't, and as you can see, we are dancing."
Unable to control her happiness, Shawney felt this joy bubbling just thinking about how the Lord had answered her prayer.' Becoming gentle with her words, she said, "True, and I am having the time of my life."