Page 22 of London
She opened the drawer, pulled out her kitchen torch. Unwrapping the custard desserts, she sprinkled brown sugar evenly across the cream colored surface. Then, using the mini torch, she melted the sugar, caramelizing it.
“Voilà!” Linda grinned as she placed the dessert in front of him.
She’d stumbled across the dessert in the French cuisine section while purchasing groceries for tonight. Gerard didn’t have to know that, and she would take the credit for buying it.
Gerard quickly finished his dessert.
“That was delicious.”
“Do you want some more?” she asked, pushing her half-eaten portion next to his empty dish. “There were six in a pack, so I have plenty left.”
“No, thanks. I’m full. As it is, I’ll have to run up and down the stairs twice as often as I usually do to burn off the calories.”
She chuckled. “Sure you will. Let me know if you change your mind.”
Linda quickly cleaned up the kitchen, putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher while the espresso machine did its job. She handed Gerard a cup.
“That was an incredible meal,” he said. “My compliments to the cook. How about we drink these in the living room and watch a movie?” he suggested. “In payment for the gourmet meal, I’ll let you choose.”
“How can I resist such a generous offer?”
Gerard sat on the couch while Linda browsed her Blu-ray collection, opting forFar And Away, an epic romantic adventure drama starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It was a little long, but she wanted the night to go on.
As the movie started, he leaned back against the cushions, put his arm around her, and drew her close to him. She stiffened for an instant before resting her head against his shoulder. It felt right, as though it had always belonged there. In silence, they watched as the accurate account of life in Boston for an Irish immigrant unfolded.
On the screen, they laughed at one of the humorous scenes where Tom and Nicole exchanged witty lines, arguing over one of the more buxom ladies until he picked her up and dropped her fully clothed into a bathtub.
“They don’t make movies like this anymore,” Linda said. “Movies just don’t tell stories these days.”
“Tell me about it. It’s one of the reasons why I don’t watch much television. I have no stomach for what passes as comedy, and reality shows? Forget it. I get all the reality I need at work. And as far as the movies go, you rarely see anything as good asThe GodfatherTrilogyorForrest Gump. Not to mention, French movies on television here are as rare as hen’s teeth.”
She laughed. “Then it’s a good thing we can buy everything online.”
“That’s true. I have a nice collection of French films at home. Most of them have English subtitles. One day I’ll invite you over to my flat, and we’ll have a movie marathon.”
She smiled up at him. “That sounds great.”
“Perhaps when I get back from Romania.”
Linda absently stroked Pirata curled up in Gerard’s lap, kneading his slacks with lazy paws. She hoped his claws wouldn’t pull the fine material, although the man was likely to go home covered in white hair.
“When are you leaving?”
“As soon as I can manage it. I’ll fly to Bucharest and rent a car from there.” He rubbed his chin, his gaze fixed on her, the movie forgotten. “Why don’t you come with me?”
Stunned, she nearly gave herself whiplash turning to stare up at him.
“What? Me?”
“Why not?” He shrugged. “You did say you liked to travel.”
“I do, b-but… My art exhibit opens Saturday,” she stammered. “I have to be there.”
“And you will be, although I hope you’ll invite me to go with you.” He grinned displaying perfect teeth. “I can’t get away until next week anyway—or do you have something against Romania? Despite the legends surrounding it, it’s one of the safer tourist destinations.”
She massaged her temples with her index fingers. When had she lost control of this conversation?
“I don’t have anything against Romania, but I can’t just up and leave at the drop of a hat. What do I do with Pirata?”
