Page 40 of Lorcan
We sat on the couch.
Vancouver won the face-off.
We consumed our meals in silence as Toronto took a commanding three-to-one lead after the first period.
Lorcan grabbed our plates and headed to the kitchen. “Do you want anything else?”
“I think that should be my question.” I leaned back and grinned. “You still haven’t guessed the secret ingredient.”
“What do I get if I win?” He filled the sink with hot water and dish soap. I felt a little guilty. Normally I would’ve helped, but I sensed he needed a break—and not just from our team losing.
“Something sweet?” He opened a cupboard.
“What are you looking for? And yes, something sweet.”
“A container for the leftovers.”
“Top right.”
He opened the cupboard. “Ah, got it. Thanks.” He sniffed the pasta. “I’m clueless. Oh, wait a minute.” He headed toward the fridge.
“That’s cheating.”
“You didn’t say I couldn’t.” He grinned. “And it’s process of elimination, right? Now, what do I get if I guess correctly?”
“I happen to have a toy for you.”
He stilled.
Shit. Did I say the wrong thing?
“What kind of toy?”
“A, uh, chew toy.”
His dark-brown eyes lit. “Well, I better guess correctly.” He opened the fridge. And stood there for a good minute.
The warning beep went off, letting him know the door was still open.
“Maple syrup?”
I’d never been so happy to lose a bet. “Yep. You guessed it. Aunt Genessa’s secret. No revealing it, okay?”
He closed the fridge door. Then he emptied the leftover spaghetti into the container. “My lips are sealed. Even gangsters won’t get me to reveal your aunt’s secret. She sounds like a neat lady.”
“She is. I’m blessed every day I have her in my life.”
“That’s nice.” He secured the lid and then put the container in the fridge. He washed the dishes and put them in the drying rack he’d pulled out from under the sink.
Play resumed. “You don’t want to miss it.”
“I want to get the rest of the dishes washed and the pots into the dishwasher. I can hear the announcers just fine from here.” He continued loading the various pots and pans.
The Leafs scored a power play goal.
“Man, the Canucks are in trouble. That was a bullshit penalty the ref called that previous play.” I beat my fingers rhythmically on the couch.
“What was the call?” He closed the dishwasher door.
