He laughed, leaning his head against hers for a moment. "God, I know what you mean. It's so hard to sit there and listen to the other teachers complain about grading and car troubles and their love lives. I feel bad, but I can't even relate anymore. Bellum is like a secret world of its own or something." Cole raised his eyebrows, smirking. "How do you know our combined efforts won't have a chance? They might."
He knew who she was talking about without any specifics, but he couldn't come up with a reply. So far his stalker had been quiet, but he didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "Yeah," he said finally, saved from anything further when the cab stopped in front of the restaurant. Cole paid the driver and slid out, holding Ileana's door open with a mock-polished smile. Once they were inside and he gave the hostess his name, a waiter appeared to lead them to their table. "So, what do you think of my restaurant-choosing skills?" The interior was all sleek wood and deep colors, but it wasn't overbearing or pretentiously expensive in the least.