Olivia sat up a little taller, trying to ignore the warmth she felt at his compliment.
‘Work is important to me. It always has been and I’m not ashamed to admit it.’
‘Let me guess.’ Jacob narrowed his eyes. ‘You’re an only child?’
‘No.’ Her body tensed.
‘Right, well, the oldest child then?’
‘Maybe,’ she replied, praying the waiter would arrive imminently with their food.
‘Of how many?’
Two.
Now only two.
‘Three.’
‘Cool. That must be fun.’
Oh yeah, it’s been a real hoot.
‘How about you?’ she deflected, spotting a man carrying what looked like their food order heading towards them.
‘How about me what?’
‘How many brothers and sisters do you have?’
‘We’re not asking questions about me yet, Olivia.’
‘Why not?’
‘Becauseyouare way more interesting.’
‘As if! I’m a single, almost thirty-year-old girl living and working in London. I don’t think you can get more typical than that.You, on the other hand, are a travelling free spirit with seemingly no care in the world.’
‘Is that what you think of me?’
‘Yes. And if you don’t tell me anything else about you, how will I know any different?’
Jacob seemed to chew on his answer, but just as he was about to speak, the server appeared by their table.
‘The paneer and mushroom masala?’ the waiter announced.
‘That’s mine.’ Olivia smiled, annoyed at the interruption but grateful for the food.
‘And the rest’ – Jacob rubbed his hands together – ‘is all mine.’
‘Very good.’ The waiter placed the food down in front of them. ‘If there’s anything more I can do, please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy your meal.’
‘Thank you!’ they both replied in unison.
The server turned on his heel and left.
‘So come on …’ Olivia pressed. ‘Tell me why I can’t know any information about you.’
Jacob spooned some thick black dhal on to his plate. ‘It’s not that you can’t.’
