Awkward Silences
It was 9:30 when Tifa forced herself out of bed. She couldn't sleep all night, tossing and turning, thinking about was the fine she had to pay. Then she remembered what Rufus had said.
'I have thought about you from time to time.'
She found that comment so strange; she was so insignificant in his abundance of matters. Remembering he would visit her to pay the ticket, she quickly dressed herself for when Rufus would arrive.
He was one step ahead of her already waiting at her bar reading the newspaper.
"How did you get in?" She stormed down the stairs. How dare he come in without any notice. "The bar isn't even open," she snapped.
"Good Morning to you too, Ms. Lockhart," He replied without looking up from his paper. "What a courteous way to greet your customers. Are you always this cheerful?" She saw the smirk emerge from his lips; it made her heart race.
"Anyway, one of your waitresses let me in when I told her I had a meeting with you." He finally looked up from his paper and faced her. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm fine," she said relaxing. He was going to pay her fine. She had to be pleasant to him.
"Do you want this in cash or check?" he asked pulling out his wallet.
"Rufus...you don't have to do this-"
"Shh," he raised his finger to her lip. "It was my fault Reno got out of hand, and I know he is a regular at your bar. This is on me."
"Check is fine. I'll deposit it when you leave, would you like something to drink?"
"Yes, top shelf gin," he said as he signing off on the check.
Tifa placed the drink next to him. She felt Rufus watching her, staring at her every move.
"Rufus, Thank you. It would have taken awhile for me to pay this," she smiled.
He sipped his drink. "Tifa," he said as he put his hand on her arm, it was cold from holding the drink. "I'd love for you to look at my WRO plans. I think you would be a massive help. Could I take you to lunch early next week to discuss my proposal?"
She starred at his drink hoping he would finish it and leave. Why was he bothering her with his WRO plans? It was his project; although, she didn't have much to do and the thought of helping restore the planet appealed to her.
"I don't work lunch on Tuesday," she replied. "Look, I don't know what my opinion would do to help you, but I would like to help the planet, so that is the only reason I am doing this."
Rufus grinned. "Excellent, I will get you around one on Tuesday." He sipped the last of his gin. She stood up and walked out with him.
"I'm going to the bank, where is your car parked?"
"A few blocks over."
Damn, I'll have to walk with him some more.
"So..." she said trying not to make the situation even more uncomfortable then it was. "Who else is working on this WRO project?"
"Reeve, the Turks and other people from Shinra in different locations. I'm trying to create ten thousand new jobs around the continent through Shinra and WRO for all the people who lost theirs because of Geo-Stigma."
"I never expected you of all people to want to help others," she replied harshly.
His expression hardened, Rufus was very passionate about his WRO project, and his reputation from the past had frequently brought him ridicule on his intentions.
"I survived two near-death experiences," his voice was as cold as ice. "You may have your opinions of me from the past, but don't dismiss my project."
"I'm sorry," she apologized softly. "You just did me a favor, and I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to hearing about your project."
His face softened. He stopped his motion while gently touching her lower back. "Until Tuesday, Ms. Lockhart."
