The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 77
“What brings you to Zamora?” Callahan asked.
Leilani paused before smiling nonchalantly. “Just traveling. And you, Mr. Langley?”
“Business.”
The conversation died there. A silence fell between them, broken only by the fluttering of pigeon wings. Fortunately, both Leilani and Callahan were people who could handle silence. They sat quietly, watching the sun traverse the sky until dusk settled over the plaza.
“You treated me to a meal back home, and I never returned the favor,” Callahan broke the silence. “Since we’ve met by chance in a foreign land, let me treat you to dinner tonight?”
Leilani looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing the pros and cons. Finally, she nodded. “Sure.”
Callahan chose a five-star restaurant specializing in local Zamora cuisine. Night had fallen, and the restaurant was bathed in dim, warm light, with the rich scent of spices drifting between the tables.
Leilani sat by the window, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. Her brow furrowed imperceptibly as she scanned the unfamiliar names on the menu.
“Is the food not to your liking, Ms. Sloan?” Callahan teased, noticing her hesitation.
“Mr. Langley, you seem to be very interested in my preferences,” she retorted coolly.
Soon, plates of vibrant, colorful Zamora specialties were placed on the table. One dish, a pungent, spicy stew, was particularly eye-catching.
Leilani stared at the stew, hesitated for a moment, and then picked up her fork. She speared a small piece and placed it in her mouth.
The next second, her expression froze. The spicy flavor exploded on her tongue. Her pupils contracted, her fingers instinctively tightened around the fork, and a flush rose on her fair cheeks from the sudden stimulation. She quickly grabbed her water glass and took a sip, trying to suppress the burning sensation, but it had little effect.
It was the first time Callahan had seen her like this. That usually composed face of hers had suddenly come alive because of a bite of food. He couldn’t help but chuckle, his voice low and amused. “It seems you aren’t a fan of Zamora’s flavors, Ms. Sloan?”
Leilani took a deep breath, quickly regaining her composure. When she looked up, her expression was back to its usual indifference. She put down the glass, her tone calm. “You seem to enjoy watching others struggle, Mr. Langley.”
“I’m just surprised,” he grinned. “The Ms. Sloan who stays calm even when her brothers are
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bullying her is defeated by a plate of food.”
“Pot, meet kettle,” Leilani replied dryly. “Your poker face is just as practiced as mine.”
Callahan paused, then his smile deepened. “I didn’t know you had such a sense of humor, Ms. Sloan.”
After all, when Leilani sat silently, she was like an ice sculpture. Who knew the ice queen had such a sharp tongue?
The teasing glint in Callahan’s eyes was obvious. Leilani didn’t reply; she simply lowered her head and continued eating, moving with elegance but clearly avoiding the spicy dish.
Aside from the spicy mishap, the dinner passed pleasantly. Afterward, they walked out of the restaurant. The night breeze was cool, the streets neon-lit and busy.
“I’ll drive you back,” Callahan offered.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.