Page 27 of Wish You Knew
“Are you offering me a cocktail?” A smile threatened the corners of her mouth.
“If that’s what you want, Rosie Tatton, then that’s what you shall have. I have all the ingredients to make you the best cocktail you have ever tasted.” I stepped towards the pantry which housed all the hard spirits.
“Wait, no! Wine will be fine. If you have it.”
“I went shopping before you arrived. Pretty much bought the entire supermarket. There’s definitely wine.” I crooked a finger and beckoned her towards me.
From the selection in the fridge, she chose a dry white wine, added ice and topped it off with soda water.
“I should probably take things easy tonight. Were you going to cook?”
I screwed up one eye and scratched the back of my head. “You honestly think I can?”
It was her turn to laugh. “Sorry, such a dumb question. Do you want me to make something?”
“You’re my guest, Rosie, I can’t ask you to that.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s my way to say thank you for inviting me.”
There were many other ways she could do that, none of which involved a hot meal at the end. But I was trying to be a better man and elevate our relationship. “If you’re sure?”
“I’m no Gordon Ramsay, but I make a pretty mean stir fry.” She turned to the fridge and set about getting out various ingredients. “Have you got any soy sauce?”
“Fucked if I know.” At her request, I set about going through the various cupboards, before finally finding a bottle in the last one I looked in.
While she did the prep, I perched on the edge of the counter. Swigging from my beer, I watched her chop and slice. It was probably the most domestic experience of my life, and I was doing it with the one person I wanted in my bed more than anything. Talk about conflicting interests.
Fifteen minutes later, Rosie placed a dish with noodles, chicken and vegetables on the table. I poured her a second glass of wine and got myself another beer. We sat opposite each other and clinked glasses.
“Cheers!”
“Thanks, Rosie. This is amazing.”
“You haven’t tasted it yet.”
Not wanting to keep her waiting, I forked a good amount into my mouth, savouring the taste. For something she’d knocked up in a few minutes, it really did taste good.
“Mmmhuuhmm.”
She frowned. “What’s that mean?”
“I stand by my previous comments. This is amazing.” I nodded to emphasise the point.
Her cheeks pinked, and she stared down at her bowl. “I’ve never cooked for anyone before.”
It really was a night of firsts.
We ate in silence, the music from my phone the only sound in the room, apart from the odd appreciative murmur. When we’d finished, I pushed the bowl away and leaned back in my chair.
“How are you doing?” I asked. We hadn’t spoken about the elephant in the room, the reason why she had come here.
She mirrored my movements, taking a gulp of her wine, then placing the glass back on the table. “I think I’m okay.” She chewed on the edge of her thumbnail. “It was a shock to see him there. And when he went on to threaten me again.” Her arms wrapped around her body. I wished I could be the one to comfort her. “I had to get away.”
“Do you think you should talk to the police about him? He’s tried something twice now.” I reached for my own glass and sucked in a mouthful of wine. “I don’t know what the correct protocol is. After all, you don’t necessarily have any concrete proof. I was the one who saw him spike your drink, so it’s my word against his. Were there any witnesses at the magazine thing?”
Her shoulders slumped. “I don’t know. I guess I don’t have anything but anecdotal evidence.”
Seeing her defeated had me wanting to gather her in my arms and tell her everything was going to be okay. But I couldn’t promise it would be.
