Chapter 7: Lunch Date

"My God, this coronation chicken filling is amazing!" Matt exclaimed as he put another forkful in his mouth.

"Told you! This place is fantastic for lunch. " Lisa said as she sipped her coffee.

Well, you were right on that. I am just sad that I didn't know about it till now, " Matt said.

"How long have you lived in London?" Lisa asked.

"I am here visiting friends, whilst on business. I have been here for a couple of months, " Matt said.

" Ah yes, I remember what you said."

"Do I hear disappointment in your voice? Don't worry, Lisa, I have an open-end ticket and I am not interested in a fling. " Matt stated solemnly. Matt did not have an open-air ticket, he had a private jet. He'd already extended his stay, but it didn't matter because his father would handle all of his gang duties.

"You are not? You seem like a man who enjoys the company of ...different women. " Lisa said.

"That is a very diplomatic way of putting it that you think I am a man whore, amoreco," Matt said with a chuckle.

"Aren't you?" Lisa asked, and Matt knew it was a test. A test to see how honest he was.

"I have enjoyed the company of women, many women, in fact. But, I am tired of that sort of lifestyle," Matt said, honestly. As he looked at her intently, for the first time, he noticed that Lisa had a sprinkling of freckles over the bridge of her nose. Spending the day in the sun had obviously brought them out. Matt had to stop himself from wondering if she had freckles anywhere else. But he swore, he would memorise every single one of those cute freckles.

"Really? You are tired of taking beautiful women to your bed? With no commitment?" Lisa asked incredulously.

"It is never truly satisfying. It does fulfil a certain...need..but there is no connection between the heart or soul. This is fine when you are young, but I want something more."

"Soul? You want a connection with another soul? " Lisa said, sceptically.

"Doesn't everyone want to find their soul mate? Don't you, amoreco?" Matt said genuinely.

"And what brought on this sudden change?" Lisa said as she looked out the window, avoiding Mat's searching gaze.

"Answering a question with a question does not give me the information that I require!" Matt teased. Lisa smiled widely and Matt felt his heart skip a couple of beats. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he thought. He had been with many beautiful women in his time. Women from high-standing gang families, who would hop on one leg and bark like a dog if he desired it. But, they were all after one thing, to be his wife and the next South American Rainha or queen. Not one of the women would turn up in a wedding dress and clown makeup on a date with him.

"Ah, I see Emily has given you the Spanish Inquisition!" Lisa said, breaking Matts' thoughts.

"Yes, she is most impressive in her questioning technique," Matt agreed.

"Sorry"

"Don't be. I can understand why anyone would be protective of you!"

"You can?"

"Of course, not everyone can slow cook beef brisket as you can, you know!" Matt said with a wink. He was rewarded by Lisa bursting out laughing. The sound was like angel music to his ears. "It is good to hear you laugh. Something tells me you don't laugh enough. "

Lisa's face dropped, and Matt cursed himself. "You are right, it has been a long time since I laughed like that. Taking care of a teenager is no easy task, " Lisa explained.

"Hey, you don't have to explain it to me."

"But I want to. Emily and I have moved around a lot, she could never settle. London was the best place for her to receive schooling and for me to find work, " Lisa said awkwardly. Matt could tell she was not telling him the whole truth, but he didn't push it as she was opening up to him.

"I understand. Why don't we talk about something more pleasant? Tell me, what is in season in your community garden? " Matt said.

A couple of hours later, Lisa and Matt were standing on the steps of Lisa's home. "Thank you, that was really enjoyable. I have not laughed like that in a long time," Lisa said.

"Well, I am glad I could be of service. Besides, I got a free lunch out of it. " Matt said with a smile, making Lisa laugh again.

"I can see how you are a businessman." Lisa teased and Matt mentally smiled that they had reached that stage in the relationship. He felt more confident in making the next move.

"Speaking of business, my company gave me two free tickets to see the musical Six. I was wondering if you would be interested in coming with me," Matt asked. He wasn't lying, his company had brought the tickets, technically, and he knew she liked the musical as she had the soundtrack to Six in her front room.

"Six?" Lisa said, and Matt could tell she was tempted.

"Yes, it would be a shame to waste the tickets..."

"OK, OK! You twisted my arm. I will go with you. When is it? " Lisa said.

"Tomorrow night. Shall we grab something to eat beforehand? It would make sense." Matt said and saw Lisa bite her bottom lip. He noticed that she did this when she was thinking things through. "My treat, of course, after all, you paid for lunch…"

"I suppose it would be sensible and would be OK. I only have one request, " Lisa said.

"Anything!" Matt said.

"We don't go to the restaurant we went to before!" Lisa said awkwardly.

Mat threw his head back and laughed. "No, sweet Lisa, we won't be going to that place."

"Good and nowhere to fancy, mind you!"

"Ah, that is the second request and one that I cannot necessarily keep. You are a queen and should be treated as such, amoreco, " Matt said with a smile.

Lisa's grey eyes flashed in anger, as she hissed, "I am no one's queen! I need no man or king to provide for me. I pay my bills and I keep Emily safe. I don't need your help or pity! "

Matt was shocked at Lisa's response. Most women would melt if he talked about treating them like a queen. Not Lisa. She seemed angry, defensive, and frightened. The other thing that struck Matt was that Lisa mentioned keeping Emily safe. "I am sorry Lisa, I did not mean to offend you. I must confess, I don't know-how. "

Lisa's face softened as she said, "I am sorry, I am just used to men...wanting...to dominate me."

"I would never do that, amoreco," Matt said.

"And I think I believe you," Lisa admitted, with a small smile.

"Good, so our date is still on?"

"Of course, what time am I being picked up?" Lisa asked as she unlocked her door.

"Six?" Matt suggested.

"Sounds good. Well, thanks for a nice lunch, and I will see you tomorrow. " Lisa said, with one last smile as she closed the door.

Matt turned and smiled. He felt like he had just negotiated the most important deal of his life. He got out his phone and started to make preparations. He wanted to give Lisa the night of her life....again!