47

Once Juliet and Patrick had caught up with Thomas, the three young people took a seat at one of the tables in the corner of the trailer, and fortunately the weather was nice, so they could enjoy a delicious meal in the open air.

Do you know what you're going to order yet? asked Thomas, who was looking at the menu.

I'll have a hamburger and a chocolate milkshake, the blonde hurried to say.

And you? she asked, turning to Patrick.

I think I'll have the same as Jul, he replied, looking around.

Alright, I'll be right back,’ he said, standing up to get his order.

They should have waiters. I hate it when you have to get up to order what you want,’ complained the light brown.

It's not so bad, the blonde assured. Besides, it helps you reconsider what you're going to order.

If you say so.

Thomas, with all the patience in the world, had to wait ten minutes for his order to be taken, while Patrick, from his place, gave him murderous looks and moved in his seat, as he was beginning to despair, while Juliet, tried to understand her cousin's attitude, as she had to admit that, of the members of his family, he had been misjudged by the media.

Here is your order, young people,’ informed a smiling Thomas, who was depositing the tray with the food. Don't forget to tip the waiter, he teasingly inquired, winking at them.

What tip? If your service was lousy, young man,’ complained Patrick.

Good grief! exclaimed Juliet, startling her cousins.

You see, Jul, she thought this meal was horrendous, Patrick mused, watching as Juliet, having taken a bite of her burger, exclaimed.

Are you all right, Jul? asked Thomas with obvious concern.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, it's just that this burger is really good, in fact, the best in the world,’ he mused, taking another bite. You must try it, Patrick, I'm sure you'll love it.

I don't think I'll love it that much, but I will,’ he replied, not very convinced, doing as the blonde said. Great was his surprise when he took the first bite and could taste that piece, because not only the meat was well cooked, but the bacon gave it a special touch, it gave him a pleasant sensation, because his palate enjoyed the taste, it was as if something soft was melting in his mouth. You're right, Jul... the taste is very good.

You see, Patrick, and you're making a mess of this succulent food, Thomas mused, taking a sip of his milkshake.

Well, anyone can be wrong.

You preferred that awful restaurant to this wonderful place.

You're not going to deny that the food at the Hilton is delicious either.

I agree with you there, but it's not all fancy restaurants, you have to vary a bit.

I was just thinking of something,’ interrupted the blonde, wiping the corners of her lips with her napkin.

What is it, Jul? asked Thomas, finishing his burger.

What do you say we bring something for the theatre kids? he proposed.

Don't you think that would be unwise? interjected Patrick. How about they're in the middle of an important rehearsal and we interrupt them. Maxwell will be upset.

I think it's a very good idea what you're suggesting, Jul, I support Thomas. Besides, it's all the more reason for us to bring them something, since they've been rehearsing so much that they haven't even had a bite to eat.

You, as always supporting her,’ reproached the brown-haired boy. I thought it was strange that you didn't say anything, but it's all right. I just hope we're not getting into trouble.

You'll see that we won't, the blonde assured.

Then say no more, I'll go get the stuff,’ said Thomas, cleaning up his mess, and standing up.

For his good fortune, this time, Thomas didn't have to wait too long, once they took his order, he took the opportunity to congratulate the people who attended that business, because not only the service was good, but also the food was good, so he was more than satisfied, because waiting in that line was well worth it. Once his order was ready, he returned to thank for the delicious food, but not before promising that as soon as he could, he would return. So, the three young people, after having eaten something, because if they didn't, they were liable to faint, headed for the Stanford theatre company. For her part, Juliet was happy, because she would see her beloved again, although it seemed silly what she wanted most was to make the most of the week she would be with him, because she was aware that she would not see him again for three months, since Armand had to go on tour with the theatre company, and it was well known that sometimes these were extended.

When they arrived at the Stanford company, they were greeted by Maxwell himself, who was surprised, but above all grateful for the noble gesture of the beautiful blonde, whom he was quick to thank for her kindness. After the polite greetings, he showed them in.

It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Thompson,’ said the theatre director, who was walking beside the blonde.

It's nice to see you again too, Mr. Hathaway,’ she said sincerely, smiling warmly. To tell the truth, she wasn't too sure about coming, as she was afraid of interrupting them.

Not at all, miss, you and your cousins are welcome,’ she said, also addressing Thomas and Patrick.

That's very kind of you, Mr. Hathaway,’ Thomas said sincerely.

I still say you're very kind, Miss Thompson. You shouldn't have bothered.

It's no trouble at all, she assured him, and besides, they must be well fed, we don't want them fainting, do we? she questioned amused.

In that you are quite right, we don't want any fainters. Now, please, come this way,’ I indicated, leading them through one of the emergency exits. I'm sure Armand will be glad to see you.

I hope so, he said in a whisper.

Do you doubt it, Miss? That boy changes drastically when he sees you, and that became very clear to me yesterday. In the ten years I've known him, believe me, I've never seen him truly smile. Always so serious, taciturn and sullen, his only friend is Karen, the two are so close, they are like brothers, Armand hates socialising with his classmates.

But he is very noble, the blonde assured.

I don't doubt that, Miss. I'm so glad he's finally happy, when he came back from his holidays, I could see a peculiar sparkle in his eyes, he's no longer that boy who only acts out of inertia, it's as if he had come back to life.

I know, she assured me. I came back to life too, she said in a whisper.