"Come on, Renee, cut it out." Michael said, gently pushing his girlfriend away.
"But Honey... I just... love you so much..." she said, while trailing kisses across his neck.
Finally he turned and kissed her firmly on the lips. "I love you too, Renee, but this really isn't the time..."
"Oh baby, there's always time for love." she said as she resumed kissing his neck.
"Here's your coffee. "The waitress said, placing two cups on the table.
Michael smiled gratefully as the waitress poured their coffee. "Thank you."
The waitress grinned as she watched Michael flinch when Renee's kisses reached his mouth. "No problem. Let me know if you need anything."
"I need you, Baby." Renee whispered into Michael's ear.
Michael's face reddened. "We're fine, thanks." He said to the waitress.
"I can see that." She said with a wink. "I'll be back to check on you in a bit."
"Renee, your coffee?" he said when they were alone.
As carefully as possible, Michael pushed the coffee cup toward her. Dutifully she took it from him, and, to his amazement, drank every drop in one gulp.
"Thanks, Honey." She said.
"Um, you're welcome Sweetheart, but maybe you shouldn't drink so fast, okay?"
She sighed loudly, a habit he absolutely hated. "You're right, Baby. Now where were we?" She turned his face toward hers, kissing him passionately.
"Renee, stop!" he said, pushing her away.
She looked at him in shock. "What's wrong Honey?"
"Nothing. I'm sorry, okay. I just... it's stuffy in here. I need to get some air." He slid out of the booth and put on his leather jacket.
Quickly she grabbed her coat. "I'll come with you."
"No! I-I mean, just stay here. The food will be here soon and I know you're starving. I'll be right back."
Again, the loud sigh.
"All right. But hurry back Honey!" She called as he walked out of the restaurant. Michael ignored the snickers that came from the nearby patrons and pushed open the glass door. The cold wind hit his face as he pulled his jacket closer to his body and leaned against the blue façade of the building.
What am I doing? I don't love her. She's a nice distraction, but that's all she is... a distraction.
He looked up to see a woman walk past him along the sidewalk. She was wearing a long red coat, a black hooded scarf and white gloves. She was joined by another woman, who had come out of the restaurant next door.
He watched as they embraced, wondering why he was so intrigued by the woman in red. They walked to the restaurant entrance and spoke inaudibly to the maître d'
As the woman removed her scarf, Michael's breath caught in his throat.
Danni.