It was strange just how calming the man’s hand was resting on top of hers made Rachel feel, though she couldn’t say she was all that surprised. Ray had this aura about him that oozed serenity a peace, it was like some sort of weird had Rachel wished she could get in on. Her life was filled with stress triggers, such was life of a business woman she supposed. “I still have yet to go, and that’s shameful on my part. It’s been rather busy at the office, and I’ve been meaning to stop by. But I’m so glad it’s doing well.” The flowers had been in bloom, she could tell from the amount of cherry blossoms she’d seen floating around, as well as their tattered bodies scattered around the pavement. Spring was afoot, and at least that brought sun and decent moods. Not that there was anything half decent about her demeanor now. Rachel craved that put together nature she knew so well. “You’re adorable. I just can’t with you, you’ll make me blush.” The woman pushed on his shoulder lightly in a teasing manor, though her smile shined brighter in the sunlight.
Worrying wasn’t exactly Rachel’s strong suit considering the last time she’d been hopeful her friend would pull through, he died. Everything was just fine and then it just…wasn’t. Things could either go bad rather quickly, or turn into some sort of miracle in seconds. The in between was hardly noticeable in Rachel’s eyes. She could hear the mild nature of his sold, Ray was right though, she should be taking better care of herself. Becoming just as sick as Asher was, wasn’t going to help anyone nor would it make the situation better. “Alright Doctor Ray, how about we start with lunch and I’ll go from there?” The woman smirked, obviously teasing the man as his arm hooked inside of her own. She led them inside, motioning to the hostess that there would be two dining in for lunch this evening. It was indeed a nice day out, so Rachel was thankful to have a booth right next to a window where the sun peaked through a nearby tree. Hopefully that would brighten her mood a little…well, that and Ray’s company of course. “So, what does a man like Ray do for fun around her anyway? I’m thinking I could use some time out of the office, like a mini staycation, if you will.”
All in all, Ray just wanted people to be okay. Everyone. Everyone deserved to be calm to feel the light, to know love, where they already had it or not. Ray had life easy. He was able to know himself from an early age, and what he wanted. A lot of people didn’t receive that same opportunity and a lot of the time it was overlooked which he found incredibly sad. He didn’t pity these people, that was too harsh. He just… hoped these people found their calm. Rachel was one of these people. Raymond couldn’t give this to her, it was something that people had to find on their own, and he believes she would find it. In time, she would be able to find her anchor, but until then, he didn’t mind supporting her.
“Maybe you do, but you won’t be alone during it.” He smiles softly before letting his head shake slightly, “Don’t worry about it. I can only imagine how busy you are, Rachel. Make it when you can, when you have the time. I’ll be there.” Which was true. He was always at his restaurant. It was his safe space. A place for lovely people, lovely conversation, and good energy only. People who came in stressed left with a smile on their lips and their shoulders less tense. He couldn’t help but know his food had something to do with it; good food would always uplift spirits, but he also made sure that the atmosphere wasn’t all hustle and bustle and the clattering of dishes. Raymond couldn’t help but let a laugh as Rachel teased him, glad to see a genuine grin of her own. “I can’t help myself. Call me selfish, but I like seeing you with a smile.”
Raymond gives a solid nod, glad that she was listening. He could understand why she would take less care of herself when a friend was in the hospital, how it would take so munch energy out of her that she didn’t feel like doing anything else but sleep, but for now, he guessed this is where he had to give his friend a bit of sense. Her body would only deteriorate, her mind would become foggy, and how are you supposed to run a business when you couldn’t think straight? For now, until she got herself a bit of food in her, Raymond didn’t mind ‘looking after’ Rachel. “Lunch is the perfect place to start.” He gives a small roll of his earthy as, watching the smirk across her lips. Making their way into the restaurant and getting a lucky seat at the window where the sun shone brightly, Raymond pulled out Rachel’s chair in a proper manner before settling into his own. With elbows on the table and chin resting on his fists, the chef contemplated her question shortly. “When I think about it, I don’t do too much. I enjoy wandering, as odd and possibly boring as that sounds. People watching is nice, too. There's also a small band of about five who set up in the park who play really nice stuff every once-in-a-while."
