Benjamin gasped in a mock offense, making Megyn burst into laughter.
He then joined her, his deep baritone laughs feeling the room.
"Remember," he teased, "the frog turned into a prince after a kiss from the princess." He leaned forward slightly. "But who needs to kiss a frog when she can find her prince right away?"
Megyn laughed again. "You have away with words, Benjamin."
"…And what qualities do you look for in your prince charming?" he asked.
She thought for a moment.
"Tall, lighter in complexion than me, someone I can have intelligent conversations with. A man who is confident, responsible, and kind. Someone who loves, respects, and adores me. Most importantly, someone with a great sense of humor."
Benjamin smirked. See? I wasn't lying when I said you've found your prince charming. You just described me."
He flexed his arms playfully, showing off the toned muscles of a sportsman.
Megyn chuckled but said nothing.
She liked talking to him.
She liked listening to him.
They spoke about their high school days, their favorite teachers, and their hobbies. They found common ground in their experiences at university – the freedom, the responsibilities, the challenges.
He told her about his travels and his academic journey, about the hustle of overseas universities.
She told him about her family, her internship at the hospital and her admiration for Doctor Lucia, who had become her mentor.
At one point, Benjamin picked up the magazine she had been flipping through earlier.
"I see you enjoy reading magazines," he observed.
Megyn nodded. "My mum bought it for me when I was considering deferring my studies to attend medical school in the US. I read a real-life story in it that changed that changed my mind."
Benjamin studied her curiously. "What was in the story?"
"Tell you what – I'll give you the magazine. Read the story on pages fifty-nine to sixty-four, and we'll discuss it one day."
She immediately regretted her words when she saw the slow grin forming on Benjamin's lips.
"Ere…I didn't mean it that way," she added quickly. "I'm so sorry."
Benjamin chuckled. "Please don't be."
He picked up the magazine and held it. "I'll take it, but only because we're going to discuss the story. One day."
Megyn swallowed. She had just – accidentally agreed to see him again.
Megyn shifted in her seat, suddenly feeling warm.
Benjamin was watching her again, his gaze steady and unreadable. She looked away focusing on her fingers as they traced the rim of her glass.
"Megyn, I may not have known you for long, but to tell you the truth, I think we have bonded very well. I would like to know you more."
Megyn shifted again. "Thank you, I am honored." Megyn said hesitantly. "What makes you think of that? I mean we have just met."
"You are easy to talk to, witty, lovely and intelligent. Besides, medicine is not a career for the faint hearted."
Benjamin asked, "Tell me, why you decided to study medicine"
"Well, I have always loved sciences, to start with. I love situations of challenge, and which work with science to solve practical humanity problems, and I thought medicine would be intellectually rewarding in consideration of all these."
"Oh, I see." Benjamin was clearly thrilled. "You are pursuing the most fulfilling profession."
"You think so?" Megyn asked with a mixture of pride and eagerness, for his affirmation.
"Oh yes." Benjamin agreed. "You get a lot of satisfaction in the endeavor to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable state."
"Sure. Thanks." Megyn smiled.
Megyn shifted in her seat suddenly, feeling warm.
Benjamin was watching her again, his gaze steady and unreadable. She looked away, focusing on her fingers as they traced the rim of her glass.
Megyn was momentarily in a deep thought – then she spoke again.
"So, Benjamin," she said, clearing her throat. "You sound like you are in the field of medicine."
Megyn hesitated a bit.
Benjamin smiled slightly. "You have not asked me."
Megyn glanced up, embarrassed. Well … I mean we've been talking about so many other things."
She paused. "What do you do?"
Benjamin leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table.
"I am a pilot."
Megyn blinked.
A pilot?
She had never considered what profession he might have, and now that he'd said it, she realized she knew almost nothing about him.
"A pilot?" she echoed.
"I work for a flying doctor service. I have been flying for a few years now."
Megyn was momentarily speechless. She had never met a pilot before. It was a career that carried a certain allure, an air of mystery.
For some reason, she had imagined him in medicine – perhaps because of Doctor Lucia.
That's… impressive," she admitted. "I had no idea."
Benjamin studied her expression. You sound surprised."
"I am." She said honestly. "I thought you'd be in the medical field, like your aunt."
He chuckled, "You are not far from it."
"Mm…."
"I am a doctor whose passion is in the skies." he said.
Megyn stared at him, her look confused.
Who has two serious professions? Who has that opportunity and time?
Benjamin chuckled, knowing the thoughts going on in her mind, which he was not ready to expound on.
"Only a prince can do that." He said as he held his shirt collar high in a mockery of pride.
Megyn was amused at this action and laughed loudly.
Their food arrived shortly after- two large platters of fish, beef, and chicken, served with assorted vegetables, rice and ugali.
The fish was baked into a crisp golden brown, while the chicken was stewed in a thick, aromatic sauce.
"Oh! This looks delicious," Megyn said, her appetite instantly heightened.
Benjamin smiled as he looked at the generous portions before them.
"Follow me, "she said, standing up. "I'll show you the best way to enjoy this meal."
Benjamin followed her to the handwashing area, where they cleaned their hands before returning to their seats.
He watched as Megyn set aside the cutlery and picked up a piece of fish with her bare hands.
"Fish is best eaten this way," she explained.
Benjamin glanced around. Most of the other diners were doing the same. He decided to give it a try.
To his surprise, the food did taste better when eaten by hand.
They took their time, savoring every bite. Soon, all that remained were fish bones and vegetables stalks.
The same waiter who had served their meal brought them an assortment of drinks.
Benjamin handed him his phone.
"Take a few photos," he requested. "We're making memories."
Megyn was amused but didn't object.