Chapter 486 - Lunch At The White Orchid

After breakfast, a helicopter waited for Max and Liz to drop them off back on the rooftop of Bellagio.

Max went with Liz to the penthouse suite and picked up his carry-on.

"Helicopter will drop me off at the airport.", Max told Liz when he confirmed that he packed everything and is ready to leave. "Your schedule related to the symposium ends at four o'clock?"

Liz confirmed. "At one-thirty the organizers will give to presenters tokens for participation and close the event for the audience. After that, the party for organizers, presenters, and VIPs, will start and it will end at four o'clock. The live stream will not cover the party."

Max knew that he had to leave, but it was difficult. "Alright. I will watch the last part where you are participating online. Let me know if you get delayed. My men are there for you, don't forget to contact them when you head out of the hotel."

"Thank you for reminding me."

After several long kisses, Max released Liz and went to catch his flight to Seattle.

Liz changed her clothes and headed downstairs to watch presentations.

…

11:57 AM

Liz was in a good mood. The previous day was eventful, and the evening was magical, and a small smile on her face was like a permanent accessory.

She watched presentations while secretly rubbing the diamond on her left ring finger which reminded her that last night was not a dream. Max arranged a romantic evening at the marvelous villa and he surprised her with information of how that villa belongs to them, and they are engaged. How surreal!

The last presentation for the morning ended, and Liz was on her way down the hallway, thinking where to have lunch.

"Liz…"

Her steps halted and she turned toward the voice.

"Chris…", she greeted back with a small nod.

"Any lunch plans?"

Liz shook her head. "I was just thinking about it."

"Allow me to treat you to lunch as congratulations for your engagement. There is an authentic Japanese restaurant a few blocks from here with amazing reviews." Dr. Snow saw that Liz hesitated, so he added: "In a few hours you will go to Seattle and I will return to Portland. Who knows when we will see each other again? Can we have one meal together, like friends?"

Liz exhaled. "Alright. Lead the way. Can you tell me the name of the place?"

Dr. Snow saw that Liz took her phone. "Are you informing Max that we will have lunch together?"

"No. My bodyguards."

Dr. Snow glanced around nervously, and he even looked up at the ceiling, like he is expecting a man to be there.

Liz laughed and he laughed with her.

"How are we going to reach the lunch place?", Liz asked, wondering if they will walk or get a cab.

"I have a rental so I will drive us there."

"You got yourself a rental for the symposium?" Liz didn't see the purpose of a car when everything is in the Bellagio, and there are plenty of places within walking distance.

Dr. Snow smiled a little. "I like to drive, and I was thinking of having lunch at that place. It's not close, so a car is recommended. I'm glad that you accepted. Now I don't need to eat on my own. Somehow, I feel lucky today."

"Yeah. Lucky.", Liz mumbled while sending a message to the head of the bodyguards who are stationed at the hotel. "The name of the place, please…"

"The White Orchid."

…

Liz and Dr. Snow were greeted by a lady in kimono and her black hair was styled and secured with long decorative pins. Her face was painted white and her lips were red. The greeter-lady's appearance reminded Liz of geishas from movies.

Liz glanced around and saw that Max's men are standing nearby the entrance and they exchanged nods. She would normally complain to Max that he is overdoing it, but since Irene attempted to hire assassins to get rid of Liz, Liz appreciated Max's care. Max was not with her, so these men gave her a sense of security. It was like Max left a piece of him behind, and she knew that if anything happens, these men will inform Max.

Dr. Snow and Liz moved along the hallway and the geisha-lady opened a sliding door and gestured for them to enter inside. There was a small hallway that connected to a private restroom and it had a place where they could remove shoes and swap them for cozy slippers, and then they entered the room with tatami flooring and a low table that had cushions for seating on each side. The round window exposed a view to a Japanese-style garden with a pond in the middle.

"This place is nice." Liz wished for Max to be here. He always encouraged her to try something new, and she loved it, but when he was with her it made everything several folds better. Probably because he made her feel safe so she could lower all her guards and immerse herself in the experience, knowing that Max will make sure nothing goes wrong.

Liz told herself not to overreact. This is just lunch with Dr. Snow, and she had many lunches with him so… she should stop her imagination from running wild because it will spoil the mood.

They placed their orders, and the server-lady left while bowing and walking backward.

As they were left on their own in the private room, Liz observed the Japanese-style décor, and Dr. Snow was watching her with a small smile on his face.

"I didn't see you yesterday, after my presentation.", Liz said while the waitress served them sake. Liz was not looking for Dr. Snow, but considering that the man was sticking to her, she wouldn't miss him if he was there.

"I had something to deal with urgently. But I watched your presentation, it was the best one of all I've seen."

Liz took a sip of sake and appreciated the smooth flavor when she registered Dr. Snow's words. She wondered if he was giving empty compliments or if he meant it. "Really?"

"Yes, yes.", he confirmed enthusiastically. "All presentations were about dry data and hopes for the future, while yours had a hint of mystery and actual results."

Liz let out a dry laugh. "Oh, if you knew how much trouble we got ourselves in… You would either call me reckless or admire me."

"I can't think of the scenario where I would think badly of you.", Dr. Snow said with sincerity in his voice. "Why don't you tell me about it? These are private rooms, it's only the two of us and I promise not to spread it around."

Liz cleared her throat and leaned over the table, indicating that she is talking in secrecy. "What if I told you that we did a rescue mission in the jungle of South America, and I ended up shot in the shoulder?"

Dr. Snow's eyes widened. "You are kidding!"

"See, you don't believe me. This is the third option I didn't consider.", Liz stifled a laugh.

"No, no! It's not that I don't believe you but… How on earth did…?", he paused and thought for a second. "You are saying that Dr. Thomas was in South America and she needed to be rescued. Did the people try to keep her and her research once it was completed?"

Liz looked at him in amazement. "You are a smart man, Chris."

Dr. Snow pouted. "Why does it sound like you realized that just now? Did you think of me as stupid so far?"

Liz put her hand over her mouth and burst into a laugh. It took her some time to stop laughing. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, Chris… I always knew you are a smart man, but I gave only a few vague hints, yet you completed the picture perfectly. I must say that I am impressed."

She wanted to say that the more they talk, the more she realizes how brilliant his mind is, but she kept that part to herself in order not to create another misunderstanding. She admires him, but her thoughts related to Dr. Snow don't include romance. It's strictly professional.

He lifted his chin smugly. "I will take that compliment."

The servers came in with their dishes. They arranged everything swiftly and left the room silently.

One last server refilled their cups with sake, and she bowed before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Dr. Snow lifted his cup toward Liz. "I wish you all the best, Liz."

Liz lifted her cup and they clinked them in a toast. She wanted to thank him, but he continued talking.

"You know that I admired you from the first day we met, and before that. If you ever need help, I am available. Anytime."

Liz felt guilt wash over her. She knew that Dr. Snow was interested in her, yet here he is, toasting for her happiness and telling her that she can rely on him in her time of need.

"Thank you, Chris. I really appreciate it. You are a great man."

They downed their drinks and Liz was not sure what to say next. The mood was good and cheery, but now it switched to uncomfortable.

He smiled awkwardly. "Their miso soup has amazing reviews…"

Liz looked at Dr. Snow and blinked to focus. His words echoed in her mind and her sight became blurry and then everything turned dark.

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