Shawney was amazed to hear him chuckle, at that moment she thought when he posed the question he was just joking. What she didn't expect was when he said, "Yes, it will be an honor to have you as my employee "
Shawney was curious to know what he was thinking, "Tell me Torren, what would the job entail if I accept?"
Lifting her chin to look at him, Shawney was stunned for a second, his handsome face glowed with sincerity and honesty. For years on the road, she had never met, someone to grip her heart so tightly. Admiring the way he was twitching his lips brought a handsomeness that showed his magnificence. "Shawney all you have to make sure of is I don't go crazy again, that's all."
Shawney knew she was not qualified to hold that highly esteemed position he wanted to entrust upon her, but hearing he would be honored she encouraged her heart to give him her support.
Recalling his father's words Shawney said honestly, "Torren, I don't mind accepting the position, but then you will have to listen to me, and not go flying off the handle every time you don't understand what is happening."
Holding both sides of her shoulder, "I will try my best, but I am telling you from now on, it's not going to be an easy task. You see sometimes every little thing makes me agitated and irritable."
Hearing his words, Shawney knew deep down in her heart she thrives for new challenges."Okay, I understand, but I want you to trust me, and I will trust you. So now open your eyes, I have something for you."
Shawney observed how he opened his eyes slowly. when he said, "Oh, this is such a beautiful sight, you are for real and I wasn't daydreaming or having an illusion."
Unable to control her smile, "Yes! I am real, now will you be my Valentine?" Seeing she had a beautiful red rose holding out to him.
Torren was happy especially the way her peach-blossom eyes were dancing with excitement, "Yes, but under one condition, we will have dinner at home."
When her eyes dropped and disappointment was written all over her face, her voice had lost its chirpiness, "But Torren, I wanted to take you out for dinner, not to stay indoors."
Torren knew his decision to stay home was the right thing to do, he knew he only got discharged a few days ago and was not ready to face a big crowd.
Being firm he said, "Not tonight, I feel a bit shaky, and today was a bit trying. We could make dinner at home, anything you want. If you want bar-be-que, burgers just name it, and I will make it happen."
Seeing how she turned her back, Torren asked "Are you disappointed in me Shawney?"
Hugging her from the back, he said, "Please be patient with me. I promise you very soon I will take you out for an exotic dinner."
When she spoke her voice horsey as though she was crying, "But you don't seem to understand Torren, today is Valentine's Day!"
Feeling hurt for rejecting her, he was so scared that he might panic and become violent, "I know, but I can't go out tonight, anyhow I am not ready, I might become angry and embarrass you."
Shawney wasn't willing to give up her night to sit indoors, "Then if you don't want to go, I will find someone who will. I hate staying indoors, I feel stifled and boxed in."
Train heard her outburst and volunteered himself, "Then my friend how about you and I have dinner tonight?"
Turning to the sound of his voice, he continued to say "You are an evil and wicked girl."
Her happy chuckle attracted Torren attention especially when she said, "I am, but you know, I hate when people deceive me."
Train ignores her words and responds accordingly, "I know, but I am so glad you came to visit, how about we go riding first after we make any other plans you have in mind?"
Torren never took his eyes off her and his dad, they both seemed very happy, Her tone of voice was energetic once again and she seemed to have an excitement that was bubbling, "You didn't ask if I could ride a horse or are we going in your van?"
Train didn't care which she'd choose, "Which would you prefer?"
Glancing in Torren direction to see his reaction, before, she answered, "First thing first, I need a dinner date for tonight?"
Torren gazed drops on his father's face, knowing he never mingled with women since Nancy left, "Then you got one, but that dress won't do." Shocked by his words Torren just stood as though he was a statue.
The train couldn't help, looking at how she was admiring herself, as though her worn-out clothes didn't bother her. "Oh, I can transform when I want to. And I am sure this huge house has something beautiful to fit me?"
"Haven't you walked with any clothes?" Train asks unable to believe if she was going to dinner with that ugly-looking dress.
Shawney looked at his reaction reading him loud and clear, "You know when I am traveling Sir, I only walk with the gifts I collect from friends."
"Okay, okay, never mind about that, I will get you a dress, so you can keep it in your bag always, just like your bag of gifts. Now just give me a minute then we can go riding."
Torren observed how she looked pleased when Dad said yes as he walked towards the house. 'I know she was beginning to get angry when I turned down her invitation.
But why is she so persistent about dining out?' Watching her now she looks happy when she laughs, it lights up her face.
Standing beside Shawney, Torren was curious to know where she was going for dinner, "So tell me, where will you be dining tonight?"