164 [Bonus chapter] Moonlight Cactus

- LUCIANO -

Something just happened, and I wish I knew what it was. Rory was quiet with little emotion when I got here, but now her cheeks are flushed and she can't seem to handle looking at me.

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. 

Since she offered for me to choose her dishes, I give her a little of all three antipasti. One fried Sicilian rice ball, one meatball, and one thin slice of veal tenderloin with fried capers. If she likes one of them more than the others, there is always more. But at least this way she gets a taste of everything. 

"I'll get a few more plates," I tell her, realizing that not all of this is going to fit on one. 

When she doesn't argue, I get up and then stop short of the door. 

"Would you like something to drink?" I call back, and she turns.