Chapter 1322: Chapter 1322
Allen Rivera glanced at the rearview mirror and said, “Almost there.”
Jane McCain heard this and had to suppress her impatience and continue waiting.
It’s hard not to wonder, in such a desolate place, what kind of restaurant could there be?
They drove forward for about half an hour more, arriving at a brightly lit section of road that was relatively lively. Many shops of varying heights lined the sides of the highway, mostly car repair services. Besides that, there were car washes, motels, convenience stores, and so on.
This spot was specifically set up to provide supplies and rest for long-distance drivers, showing just how far Allen Rivera had driven.
Jane McCain quietly checked the map on her phone.
If Clearwater City were compared to a square, then they had essentially driven from one corner of the city diagonally to the opposite corner, and even farther.
“Just to have a meal, do we really need to come this far?” Despite knowing his habit of seeking out restaurants everywhere, Jane McCain couldn’t help but mutter.
Allen Rivera parked the car and led her into an unassuming noodle shop. He replied upon hearing her, “It’s nice to go a bit farther. If this is the last time we meet, at least we can spend a little more time together.”
Jane McCain was momentarily silent.
He showed reluctance, and she was pleased, yet his mention of their last meeting brought a somber emptiness. His words tugged her heart, leaving it in discomfort.
Once inside the noodle shop, they chose an empty table to sit down. The place wasn’t big but was quite tidy, fitting Allen Rivera’s tastes.
The boss served two bowls of beef noodles, along with a small plate of pickled vegetables.
Allen Rivera wiped the disposable bamboo chopsticks, stirred one bowl of noodles a bit, then handed it to her, “Eat up. I chose this place partly to spend more time with you, but the noodles here really are good.”
Jane McCain saw he still remembered her habits and felt inexplicably bittersweet.
“It’s already fine,” she said.
Allen Rivera looked at her.
She bit her lip, slowly picked at the noodles in the bowl, and spoke softly, “Now when I eat, I don’t have to specially check anymore, nor am I afraid of finding eyeballs in the bowl… That psychiatrist was involved with Ms. Matthew. Her husband beat him up, and I happened to see it, then the phobia got better.”
Allen Rivera smiled faintly: “And the heterophobia, is that better too?… Even if we part ways, you no longer have to worry about not being able to interact with other men, right?”
He spoke gently, yet Jane McCain found his words particularly harsh.
“I never thought that way,” she murmured while stirring the noodles.
Allen Rivera said quietly, “Perhaps, I’m too old to understand the thoughts of young girls nowadays.”
Jane McCain paused, her hand holding the chopsticks froze.
… He was indeed angry.
Well, who doesn’t have a temper? Allen Rivera was easygoing before because he was good at managing his emotions, but it didn’t mean he didn’t have them.
Jane McCain felt uncomfortable inside.
He was clearly in the wrong, so why did it now seem like she was the heartless one playing with feelings, and he was the innocent, pitiable victim?… It’s really strange.
Seeing her tense and motionless, Allen Rivera sighed lightly and said, “Eat quickly, it’s not as good cold.”
Jane McCain snapped back to reality, didn’t fuss, and quietly ate her noodles.
After sitting in the car for so long, she was indeed hungry.
For the next period, neither of them spoke, silently finishing their meal…
Jane McCain looked up, starting to face Allen Rivera directly. Now, they could talk about their issues.
“Boss, check please.” Allen Rivera waved to the boss.
Jane McCain was a little stunned, blinking, “Didn’t we say we were going to talk?”
“Let’s talk in the car,” Allen Rivera said, “It’ll take over two hours to get back; coming home too late will affect rest.”
He made a good point; Jane McCain had to get up early the next day, and she couldn’t afford to sleep too late, plus driving at night wasn’t safe.
She nodded in understanding and followed him into the car.
Allen Rivera lowered the seat and played a soothing piece of music.
The car gently rocked, the speed slow and steady, and after a while, Jane McCain fell asleep.