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“In that aspect, we're alike; I'm also not very fussy about food.”

At that moment, the waiter returned. He quickly but carefully filled their glasses with rich red liquid. After arranging the meat dishes with a side of potatoes and vegetables, he wished them a pleasant meal and left.

“To our first dinner together?” Derek proposed, with a raised glass at Megan.

“To our first real date!” she added.

After taking a sip of wine, they noted the waiter's excellent choice and started their meal.

“How was your day?” she asked Derek.

“Quite ordinary, nothing special. Who did you go to the islands with?” he unexpectedly asked, changing the subject.

“With my cousins, Glenn – Warren's wife, and his friend.”

“What friend?” Derek asked a bit tensely.

The girl shrugged, “I don't know, a long-time friend of Warren. He happened to be at the restaurant where we had our family dinner. That's where we were introduced. Are you jealous?” Megan asked teasingly.

“No, just curious,” he smiled back.

“His name is Craig, and he works for a shipping company. When he found out we were going to the islands, he decided to join us. Quite an interesting guy, easy to talk to.”

“Interesting…” Derek slowly repeated, cocking his right eyebrow.

“Why do you look like that? He's interesting to talk to, nothing more,” Megan laughed, pleasantly flattered by Derek's slight jealousy.

“I'm glad it's nothing more,” he said with a smile, looking straight into her eyes.

There was an awkward pause between them for a moment.

“Have you had any serious relationships with women before? Like, a long-term commitment or marriage?” Megan calmly asked, trying to hide her inner turmoil.

He paused before answering, his face once again becoming an impenetrable mask, making it impossible to read any emotions.

“I’ve had a serious and long-term relationship…” he continued to look into her eyes as he spoke.

Derek was hesitant, afraid to accidentally hurt Megan's feelings. He chose his words with utmost care. However, the pace at which she asked her questions threw him off balance.