Chapter 30 Judgment Error
"The house is certainly warm enough," Caroline remarked while changing into slippers.
Leopold closed the door behind them. "The door code is 214819."
Hearing the numbers 214 in the code, Caroline smiled. "Is that Valentine's Day plus your birthday?"
Leopold gave her a dismissive look. "I'm impressed by your imagination, but I'm hardly that sentimental. February 14th is my birthday."
"Your birthday is on February 14th?" Caroline's smile took on a meaningful edge. "What a significant date."
Knowing exactly what she was implying, Leopold merely shrugged. He was used to it—girls had been using his birthday as an excuse to confess their feelings since he was young.
"When's your birthday?" He asked.
"August 19th," Caroline replied.
"Wait a minute," Caroline's eyes widened in shock. "819?"
Leopold stared at her intently. "You and my... never mind."
Noticing his suddenly somber expression, Caroline guessed it must be his ex-girlfriend's birthday.
Great, she shared a birthday with Leopold's ex. How annoying.
Now every birthday would remind her of Leopold's ex. She wanted to roll her eyes dramatically.
Leopold emerged from the bathroom carrying a watering can. "This plant needs water twice a week, roughly every three days. But with the heating on, you might need to water it every two days instead."
Caroline took a photo of the plant and added notes about the watering schedule.
From Leopold's perspective, her profile looked delicate yet full, somewhat adorable. Her eyes were beautifully shaped, with just the right amount of subtle creases on her eyelids. When she focused her gaze on you, her eyes were clear and radiated a natural energy.
Caroline photographed another plant and asked, "How often for this one?"
Leopold snapped back to attention and began watering it. "This one's more drought-resistant—every four days."
"Got it, four days." Caroline saved the note and looked up, meeting Leopold's gaze. They both froze momentarily.
Caroline thought to herself, 'He looks casually handsome today, very easy on the eyes.'
Leopold was thinking, 'I like her more and more.'
Leopold calmly shifted his gaze past her. "The plants in the study all need watering every two days."
With that, Leopold walked around her toward the study, with Caroline following behind.
The house was large with many plants. After recording everything, Caroline said, "I've got photos and notes for all of them. I'll follow this guide when watering, so don't worry."
So, was it time for him to take her home now?
Leopold checked his watch. "It's getting late—want to grab some barbecue?"
Caroline blinked. "Your treat?"
Leopold smiled. "Of course. After all your help, the least I can do is buy you barbecue."
"Just one meal?" Caroline teased.
Leopold would happily eat with her more often. "How about I treat you every time you water my plants? Pretty generous, right?"
Caroline pursed her lips. "You think I'm helping you just for free barbecue?"
Leopold naturally played along, also joking, "Then what are you after? If it's money, I don't have any. If it's me, I..."
They both froze, staring at each other. He awkwardly rubbed his face while she chuckled mockingly, "As if I'd want you."
What nonsense was she talking!
"Let's go get that barbecue."
Leopold left the study first. Once he was gone, Caroline pressed her hands to her forehead in distress.
"Do you have a barbecue place you'd recommend?" Leopold asked.
Caroline replied, "My recommendation is delicious, but the ambiance is just okay. Can you handle that? Or should we go to Saucy BBQ Shack on Maple Avenue?"
Leopold said, "Saucy BBQ Shack has an impressive storefront, but the food is really just average."
"That's exactly what I think! I told Erica the same thing," Caroline felt like she'd found a kindred spirit. "Erica insists their food is good, but Saucy BBQ Shack doesn't even come close to Grill Master's BBQ—not by a long shot. The chefs at Grill Master's have been cooking for over ten years, and their barbecue is absolutely delicious."
A warm smile appeared in Leopold's eyes. The more he got to know her, the more he appreciated her authentic self—interesting and unpretentious.
Being with her was never boring, even when they weren't doing anything special.
But he knew a relationship needed more than just initial excitement to sustain it—it required a soul that remained interesting even after extended time together.
Leopold was testing himself too, deliberately slowing down their pace, extending their time together. This way, once he was certain, they could move forward more confidently, going further together.
"Where is Grill Master's BBQ located?" Leopold asked.
Caroline raised her hand. "Human navigation system activating. Turn right at the upcoming traffic light."
Leopold laughed. "Nice. Human navigation definitely feels more personal."
Following her directions, they successfully arrived at their destination. Caroline hopped out of the car and darted into the barbecue restaurant.
Grill Master's BBQ had a curtain at the entrance to keep out the cold, and behind it was a rusty iron door.
Leopold pushed the door open and entered. Inside was warm and noisy. The dining area wasn't large, with only six tables, but they were all empty. Looking around, he realized all the customers were in the private rooms.
Caroline peeked out from one of the private rooms and waved to Leopold. "Over here."
When he reached the doorway, he discovered the restaurant used electric heaters, making the interior very warm. Caroline was sitting on the opposite side of the table. Leopold was dressed somewhat formally today, which felt slightly out of place in this environment.
"Why are you just standing there? Come sit down," Caroline urged.
Leopold walked over and sat down. The room was warm enough for him to remove his suit jacket.
"I've ordered these items already. See what else you'd like?" She said.
Leopold took the menu and added ribs, chicken wings, and grilled sausages, then asked Caroline if there was anything else she wanted.
Caroline replied, "That's enough. We won't be able to finish all this."
The server asked, "What would you like to drink?"
Leopold said, "I'm driving, so no alcohol. I'll have a Coke. What about you?"
Caroline said, "Hot chocolate."
The server brought a complimentary plate of fruit appetizers before going to place their order. Caroline ate while saying, "The environment here isn't as nice as the places you usually eat at, but wait until you taste the food."
Seeing her confident expression, Leopold began eating the fruit as well. "I trust you. I'm sure it'll be delicious."
"Don't just take my word for it—you'll see for yourself," she replied.
They both reached for the fruit plate simultaneously, their fingertips brushing lightly. It felt like an electric current passed between them. They both tactfully withdrew their hands and continued their casual conversation.
The grilled skewers started arriving at the table. Caroline picked up a skewer of grilled beef intestine and handed it to Leopold. "Try this."
Many people disliked organ meats, but Leopold accepted it readily. "How did you know I like this?"
Caroline seemed surprised. "You do?"
Many people were less accepting of animal intestines as food. She had offered him the grilled beef intestine, thinking it might challenge him.
"I'm very open-minded about food," Leopold said, taking a bite of the intestine and chewing it slowly.
Caroline shook her head. "I misjudged you."