Page 33 of Blueberry Cake
“I do. Those roses really did something to me.”
“I saw an article once that said most men only get their first flowers at their funeral, and it really stuck with me.”
“I’m a very blessed man to have received thembeforehand.”
He swung Queenie’s bag over his shoulder, taking her hand in his. When they stepped into the apartment, he took her bag to his room and returned to find her admiring the roses with a bright smile.
They’d decided on something light for lunch: spicy seasoned chicken breasts with garlic bread. As Queenie tossed a salad, Boyd reheated the pre-cooked chicken.
“Now that we’re meeting the parents, I have a few questions,” Queenie asked, uncharacteristically bashful.
He looked over, pulling her lip free from her teeth. “So we can make sure we’re on the same page?”
“I’d like to at least be reading the same book.”
“Ask away,” he encouraged.
“We both know where we stand on having kids, but what’s your ultimate goal for this relationship?” Their eyes met for a split second. “I like spending time with you and if we both feel like we are a good match—which I do feel—we can…” Queenie trailed off, struggling to find her words.
“Are you trying to ask me if marriage is on the table?”
Queenie frowned. “Saying it out loud sounds so serious so early. We just started seeing each other, but yes. I guess that’s what Iamasking.”
“As you said, it’s good to make sure we’re reading the same book. I’m sure if we got years down the line and our ideals weren’t matching up, you’d be upset to have wasted your precious time with such a fool.”
Queenie laughed, and the worried lines across her forehead relaxed, so he continued.
“Sharing my life with the right person has always been something I wanted to achieve. It just never came to that point because I’m a very career focused man. Between myprojects and real estate, I’m hardly ever home.”
“If I’m okay with that, could you see us living together at some point?”
“I can. Hopefully one day you’ll grant me that wish.”
Queenie grinned, casting a look at him through her lashes before returning to her salad prep. “You might be a busy man, but you’ve never failed to return my calls. I feel like that’s worth so much these days. I don’t need your attention twenty-four-seven. That would be too much to ask, but you’ve never failed to make me feel like a priority.”
“There might be times where that differs. When that phone rings, I have to answer it.” He wanted to be honest with her. Yes, he did and would prioritise her, but he also had a company to lead.
“I understand that.” Sensing that the conversation was far from over, he began to set the table to give Queenie time to think. “I know you’re more traditional than I might be used to and I can see that you take pride in taking care of me. It makes me feel special having someone who knows the sidewalk rule and opens my doors even though he knows I’m perfectly capable of doing so myself. I want you to know that I’m not using you for financial gain. And if you ever feel like I am, I want you to tell me.”
“I do take great pride in being respectful. And I promise to tell you if you’re draining me dry.”
Queenie visibly relaxed, the tension leaving her shoulders. “Thank you.”
“My mom has asked to meet you,” he confessed as they sat down to eat. “Maybe we can have dinner together soon. She loves to cook as much as I do, so I thought she could join us sometime.”
“I would love that.”
As if the universe was listening, his phone rang the moment they finished their meal. “Didn’t we just talk about that…” he muttered to himself. Pulling her closer, he gently squeezed her and kissed her hair. “Don’t start on the dishes, I’ll do them once I’m done here.”
He retreated to his office, hammering out more details of his latest headache with Alex. Giving Alex his best and final counter, he hung up and found Queenie on the couch, flicking through streaming services.
“You didn’t listen,” he teased. “Those counters are spotless, and we didn’t even use them.”
“You know what my love language is? Acts of service.”
“So, this is your way of telling me you care about me?” he asked, sitting down next to her and pulling her feet into his lap.
“It is.”
