Chapter 11: Lunch Dates

Claude's P.O.V

After my little conflict with Christine I roamed the opera house in search of Raoul. It didn't take me very long to find him, he was going over a few things with the managers. I waved at him as he looked up at me and met my eyes. He smiled and excused himself, the managers looked quite displeased with this but went about their own business. Raoul walked over to me flashing his dazzling smile, I could get used to seeing that every day.

"Well hello there Claudine, what brings you here to visit me?" I smiled at him.

"I believe you and I had a lunch date to attend to today, unless I made that very same promise to another handsome gentleman." I teased him lightly as he smirked.

"Well this other gentleman is going to have to wait his turn, because today you're my date for the day." My heart sung and I was sure my face was vibrant red. He chuckled.

"Shall we be going?" He offered his arm to me and I quickly accepted the gesture.

"Yes we shall." I smiled widely as we walked towards the main entrance of the Opera house.

The cafe we visited was a quaint little place, it was small and secluded just the way I liked it. Raoul led me to a small table that fit two people, he even pulled my chair out for me.

"I hope you like here Claudine this is my most favorite café in all of France." Raoul took his seat across from my own.

"So far this place has made quite the impression on me." I smiled softly as I took a menu and began to exam the teas they had.

"I usually get the Earl Gray tea, I know it may seem a bit boring but it's my absolute favorite tea." I smiled at him, I had Earl Gray before and it was a bit too bitter for my own taste.

"I like Jasmine tea, I usually drink it before a performance because it had relaxing qualities the taste isn't half bad either." He leaned close with intrigue.

"You really seem to know a lot about tea for an American." I laughed at this.

"Oh please just because I know a few facts about a tea doesn't mean I'm a tea aficionado." He chuckled at my statement.

"Well perhaps we should change the subject, I love tea as much as the next person but it would become tiresome to discuss for hours on end." He leaned back in his chair and observed me.

"So why did your parents leave France in the first place?" I looked up at him in surprised. I must admit as much as I like this man that was rather an odd question to ask on a second meeting because of how intimate it was.

"Oh well my father wanted to move to America because of the better job opportunities it had to offer, you see my family doesn't come from riches or titles were simple folk." He continued to look at me.

"But why America? Why not London or Berlin or even the colonies in India?" I shuffled in my seat uncomfortably.

"Well… it was cheaper to move to America I guess. There my father was guaranteed work as was my mother, it offered a more stable income than what Europe had to offer." My hands were sweating, why did it feel as if this man was interrogating me? I was thankful that the waiter had finally approached our table. It allowed me to escape Raoul's incessant questions, I felt as though I could finally breathe. We ordered out teas and choice of sandwiches, once the waiter left we sat in silence.

"I'm sorry about all of the questions Claudine, you're just such an interesting woman I want to know all about you and your family." Raoul played with his silverware nervously.

"It's quite alright, I'm just not used to anyone taking an interest in me is all honestly it caught me off guard." I took his hand in mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Well I'm just glad I haven't offended you, I would have never forgiven myself had I made you uncomfortable." He smiled and place his other hand on top of mine. I looked down at our hands and then up at him, he was staring into my eyes while he smiled.

"Claudine… I don't mean to be forward but I would like to see you again." He said that slowly as if he were afraid that I would reject him.

"Of course we can come her anytime you'd like Raoul." I smiled as he frowned a bit.

"No, I meant on a more intimate level… like a date." He was beet red, I giggled a bit.

"Don't you think it's a bit too early to start a courtship?" He looked up at me in surprise.

"Oh I didn't mean to rush this, it's just I feel so… normal around you. You treat me like a regular man instead of some stuffy Vicomte." He looked down at the ground the hurt was obvious on his face.

"You didn't let me finish, though it is a bit too soon to court one another that doesn't mean we can't go out together as friends." He picked up his head and looked at me with the biggest smile on his face.

"I would like that." I smiled, our conversation ended there because the waiter had brought our food. We ate and waked back to the Opera house in comfortable silence. Once we were back we said our good-byes.

"Thank you for such a wonderful afternoon." I smiled, I went to turn and walk away but Raoul caught me by the arm.

"Claudine wait." Before I could react Raoul lips brushed my forehead.

"Raoul…" He silenced me by hugging me tightly.

"Maybe the next time we meet you'll permit me to kiss you, but for now I'll accept our friendship." With that being said he released me from his hold and walked away leaving me standing there in a daze. After a few minutes a huge smile spread across my face, I took off towards the catacombs. There was definitely going to be a new diary entry tonight.

There's chapter 11 for you guys! I'm sorry if it's not as good as my previous chapters I wrote it at like three in the morning soooooooo yeah. This chapter was originally supposed to a filler chapter, the next chapter there is going to be a bit of a time jump so be prepared. Also I have big plans for the next chapter, there's going to be a lot of drama. So please be patient with how long it may take for me to write it, it may be my longest chapter yet guys. Oh before I forget... MY STORY IS NEARLY TO 1000 VIEWS! HOW CRAZY IS THAT! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and please don't forget to review!

-Kara