7 O’CLOCK

"Wow, look at that!" Zoe exclaimed as she rapidly blinked and stared at Sweet Escape restaurant.

By now, they have dropped off from the taxicab and were loading down Erin's luggage when Zoe saw the luxurious diner in front of her for the first time.

Situated at the central location of the island, the restaurant is just a stone throw away from the iconic Crescent Beach.

It has a welcoming indoor-outdoor area with a light marine theme, providing the setting for elegant, sophistically presented modern dishes. 

"Come on. The kingfishes can't wait to meet the guts of the most beautiful queen on earth," she called on Zoe and teased her, referring to her as the queen. 

One of the major delights in Sweet Escape restaurant aside from their ever-changing menu with dimensional taste and texture and their availability for dine-in and takeaways 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is their kingfish meal.

Zoe gulped while caressing her tummy and scurried towards Erin who was waiting for her.

They cheerfully advanced and walked to the entrance of the restaurant. 

"A table for three please," Zoe requested the receptionist who gave her a greeting smile and introduced her to the hostess who will take them to their spot. 

"A table for three?" Erin raised with furrowed eyebrows as she followed after her. She was curious if Zoe has invited somebody to be with them there.

"Have you forgotten then?" Zoe nonchalantly asked as they seated themselves. 

Zoe always leaves an extra chair every chance she is craving to eat out. A habit that started when she was growing up without her parents, imagining that she was still with them.

As she matures, it developed into a faint hope that someone special is bounded to come in her life and fill its empty space.

"Well, I thought you have shaken them off," Erin defended herself while scanning the cuisine for that evening. 

"You should try out everything on their food list. I heard a private aircraft serviced them and imported the freshest produce direct from the markets." She continued to chat on.

On the contrary, Zoe couldn't help but stare in amazement of this palatial place.

"It's complete with the candlelights and all!" Zoe exclaimed.

Succumbing to the relaxing atmosphere, she flipped her long auburn hair, crossed her legs which revealed its porcelain complexion and smooth skin and rested her weight lazily on the chair. 

"Hmmm..."

She closed her eyes and swayed her head to the beat of the music. Her hunger dissipated for a moment as she enjoyed the romantic ambiance of the spot.

As she acted on, she didn't notice that someone in the room was intently staring at her with adoration and awe with his jet-black eyes.

"I wish to have a taste of your kingfish dish today. And the Belgium chocolate mousse with mango sorbet later."  

Erin pointed on the cuisine list and showed it to the waitress who approached them to check on their orders.

"How about you?" She asked Zoe as she offered her the menu book.

As soon as she peered back at her, her eye caught an extremely attractive guy in another table. 

Every lady in the area nearby, like her, secretly glanced at his direction the moment they laid eyes on him.

Though it may seem strange, those around on a date could not even stop themselves from giving out an adulterous glimpse his way.

"Yummy," Erin uttered in a whisper.

At their angle, she could see that he was wearing a simple white long-sleeved shirt with rolled cuffs and a casual straight-leg dark washed denim jeans.

But anyone can recognize that a slim and muscular body is underneath them, which is complimentary to his sharp-featured face and long hair pulled up in a half updo. 

Meanwhile, Zoe is still checking out her order at the list of foods with her fingers behind her ears and caressing her earrings. 

"Wait, let me order this one," She was pointing to a seafood dish with fishwings.

"And a double portion of this one. And this one. And this one."Marking the prawns, mussels, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes.

After ordering, she gave her sweetest smile to the attendant who half-smiled at Zoe and scratched her head as she turned her back towards them to relay their requests.

Erin seems oblivious to Zoe's acts of gluttony as she still stared at the dashing man within her sight who existed like a prince from a faraway land. 

"Would you look at that," She muttered to Zoe as she grasped her arm with her mouth remaining partly opened. 

"What? Where?" Zoe responded as she waved in front of Erin, who was not blinking at that moment. 

"7 o'clock," Erin surprisingly answered while obviously still bewitched by whatever she was mentioning. 

Zoe and Erin had this secret code during college days whenever they were talking regarding somebody in public, whether it was a strikingly handsome guy or some girl whom they want to gossip about.

They used the movement of the arms of the clock to locate their subject.

"7 o'clock," Zoe nodded instinctively, knowing what to do. 

She playfully brushed her hair and beamed as she took a quick look around the room as if she's there to admire its glamour and its guests.

But she knew her target. Her eyes landed at last on the dinner table, which is 7 o'clock from Erin. 

Her previous flirtatious smile froze when she saw whom Erin is referring to.

"It's you again..."

The man was alone and sipping on his cappuccino silently as he read a book.

After sensing that Zoe was watching her, he glanced up from his work and smiled at her, revealing a deep set of dimples in his cheeks. 

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