by Sophie Kaye
“Bring it,” Maggie said.
Michael opened a cupboard revealing neat rows of glasses and plates.
“Your apartment is very... organized,” Jessica said.
Michael peered at her over his shoulder as he took down the wine glasses. He shrugged.
“I like things neat.”
Jessica nodded. “Right.”
He took out a corkscrew. “I've never been much for decorating.”
“Next time, I'll bring you a potted plant,” Maggie said over her shoulder. “There's a fine line between sterile and minimal.”
“I wouldn't know what to do with it.” Michael poured the wine.
“I'll write down instructions.” Maggie came over and took two wineglasses. “I know you like manuals.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow. “A man who reads instructions?”
Michael handed her a glass. “They're there for a reason.”
“That's what my dad says.” Jessica sipped the wine.
“Is he in the banking business too?”
Jessica involuntarily laughed. “No. No, my dad is not a corporate person. He's a writer.”
Michael raised an eyebrow. Maggie laughed at something Rita said.
“He writes military science fiction, mostly,” Jessica said.
“Sounds interesting.”
Jessica shrugged. “It's not quite my cup of tea.”
Maggie got up from the sofa and came up to the counter. “Shouldn't you be making pizza?”
“I suppose I should.” Michael took out an apron and tied it around his waist. “What kind of pizza does everyone want?” He opened the fridge and took out containers of homemade tomato sauce, shredded cheese and a selection of toppings.
“Pepperoni and mushroom,” Jessica said.
“And olives,” Maggie said.
“Ham and pineapple.”
They all stared at Rita.
“What?”
“Pineapple on pizza?” Maggie said. “You can't put pineapple on pizza.”
Rita blushed. “I happen to like it.”
“Well, I have pineapple so that's not a problem.” Michael took out a can from the most well-organized pantry Jessica had seen. Every can was turned with the label facing forward, arranged in neat rows next to glass jars of clearly labeled flours and spices.
“Do you need help?” Jessica asked.
“Sure.” Michael lifted a towel off a rack of oven plates. “Here.” He placed one of them in front of Jessica.
“Isn't pizza supposed to be round?” She looked at the perfect square of rising dough.
“Not this one,” Michael said and placed a spoon, a brush and the container of tomato sauce in front of her. “Could you spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch all around?”
Jessica looked up at him. He wasn't joking.
“I can try,” she said seriously.
“Looks like you two have this covered.” Maggie returned to the sofa. Soon she and Rita were chatting and laughing.
Jessica focused on spreading the tomato sauce, wondering if she should make it uneven just to see what Michael would do.
She couldn't help studying him as he sliced the mushrooms and olives. He seemed at home in the kitchen, relaxed.
“So how come you learned to cook?”
“My mom. The story, as she likes to tell it, is that when she married my dad, he knew nothing about housework. She said it annoyed her to no avail when he expected her to do everything even though they both had jobs. So she swore her sons would know that half the housework was on them when they married.”
“She sounds like quite the woman.”
“She is. Anyway, I was the oldest and took to cooking.” Michael switched out the pizza in front of her for a new one.
“How much are we supposed to eat?” Jessica asked.
Michael smiled. “I wasn't sure how hungry you'd be.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
“Sam is coming over tomorrow to watch the game, so I figured I'd make enough for leftovers.”
Jessica finished spreading the sauce on the second pizza.
She looked over at the one Michael was working on. “What are you doing?”
“What? I'm placing the toppings.”
“In perfect lines?”
“So that it'll be even.”
Jessica smiled and watched him place mushrooms next to each piece of pepperoni.
“What do you do if you want more pepperoni than mushroom?”
Michael looked up.
“I'm just asking.” Jessica put up her hands.
He studied the pizza. “I guess I could make every other mushroom a pepperoni?”
Jessica laughed. “I didn't mean to throw you off. It looks perfect.”
Michael gave her a weak smile and placed some olives on the pizza.
“If you could sprinkle cheese on top, I'll do the ham and pineapple one.”
Jessica did as she was told, and the pizzas went into the oven.
Chapter Thirteen
“That was delicious, Michael.” Jessica put down her empty plate on the coffee table.
“It really was,” Maggie agreed. “Maybe we should do this more often.”
Micheal grinned. “I'm glad you liked it.” He took the plates. “Dessert?”
“There's dessert too?” Maggie groaned. “I'm going to have to dance 'til morning to work all of this off.”
Michael smiled and took the plates to the kitchen.
“He may be a neat freak, but the man sure can cook,” Maggie said and leaned back on the sofa.
“Yes, he can.” Jessica glanced over to the kitchen where Michael was taking out an electrical whisk.
She turned her focus to the two women who were smiling at her.
“What?”
The sound of the whisk filled the apartment.
“Nothing,” Maggie said. “You two seem to be getting along, that's all.”
Jessica blushed.
“Oh, I think you were right,” Rita said to Maggie. “I think there's something going on.”
“No. Nothing is going on.” Jessica studied the coffee table but could feel the look the two women were giving each other.
“Hmm, well. I suppose we're just going to have to wait and see.” Maggie elbowed Jessica lightly.
“Here we go.” Michael brought a tray with four plates to them. “It's nothing too special, just a pavlova.”
Each plate held a meringue with whipped cream, topped with loads of berries.
“Wow,” Jessica said as he handed her one. “It looks delicious.”
“Hailey made the meringues. I just added whipped cream and berries.”
“Mmm, this is divine.” Maggie was diving into hers. I wish I could eat all of it, but I'm way too full of pizza.”
“It's very good,” Rita said.
Michael sat down on an ottoman across from the sofa. “I'm glad you like it.”
For a while, all that was heard was the crunching of the meringue and spoons scraping plates. Jessica couldn't help glancing over at Michael. He raised his eyes from the dessert and smiled at her. She lowered her eyes and tried to push away the nervous feeling in her stomach.
Maggie put down her plate. “This was perfect.” Despite her protests, she had eaten most of the Pavlova. “But, I think it's time for me to head out. I'm meeting up with some friends.” She stood up.
“I think I should go too. My cat worries if I stay out too late.”
All eyes were on Rita again.
“Well, if I don't feed him regularly.”
“I'll walk you out,” Michael said and got up.
Jessica heard them say their goodbyes in the small hallway. All of a sudden the chatter died, and the door shut behind them.
Michael came back into the living room. He stood for a while, looking like he wasn't sure what to do.
“Do you want more dessert?” he asked.
“No, thank you.” Jessica put down her empty plate
. “It was all very filling.”
Michael nodded. He sat down on the sofa next to her.
“More wine?”
Jessica shook her head. She didn't want the evening to end.
“So, Hailey made the meringue?”
“Yes. I didn't know you two were friends.”
Jessica nodded.
“I guess I should get going too.” She grabbed her crutches.
“Oh.”
Was that disappointment in his voice?
Michael stood up and reached out a hand to help her. “Is your mom picking you up?”
Jessica shook her head and felt a tingle in her stomach when she grabbed his hand. “No, she had a meeting tonight. I'll just call a taxi.”
“Why don't I drive you?” Michael was still holding her hand.
“You don't have to do that. It's quite far, almost an hour.”
“I don't mind. And it might take that long to get a taxi tonight. Saturday night and all.”
Jessica nodded. “Then I'll accept your offer.”
Michael beamed. “Great. Let me just rinse these plates first.” He grabbed the dessert plates and hurried to the kitchen with them.
Jessica shook her head and waited.
“There. All set.” Michael came back to her.
Jessica went into the hallway. It felt smaller than when she came.
Michael held up her coat, and she put the crutches aside.
“Does it hurt?” he asked as he helped her with the coat.
“It aches a bit, especially after a long day.”
His hands lingered on her shoulders. Jessica closed her eyes and fought the urge to lean back.
He cleared his throat. “Here's your scarf.”
In the elevator, Michael put a hand on her back to steady her. Jessica was acutely aware of her breathing and didn't want the ride to end.
“You...” Michael said.
Jessica looked up at him.
“You live towards Hertford, right?”
Jessica nodded. “Well, my parents do.”
The elevator stopped. He walked slowly to the parking lot, making sure to not rush her.
“This one's mine.” He pointed to a medium-sized, red car.
Jessica raised an eyebrow. “I expected your car to be beige or silver.”
Michael opened the passenger side door for her. “I like red. I know statistically it's not the safest color...”
“There are safe car colors?” Jessica stopped and looked up at him.
“Statistically, certain colors are more prone to accidents.” Michael said.
“I had no idea.”
“Here.” Michael reached for her crutches. “Let me help you.”
Jessica smiled. "I'm not very gracious these days." She sat down and moved the cast into the car.
Michael handed her the crutches and hurried over to the driver's side.
After making sure they were both buckled up, he cautiously backed out of the parking spot.
Jessica relaxed. There was something soothing about his driving. It was safe, without being annoyingly slow.
The silence between them stretched on. Not in an uncomfortable way, but it was full of unspoken electricity.
“So, I had another tennis lesson today,” Michael said.
“How did it go?”
“Good, he said I improved from your teaching.” Michael grinned at her.
Jessica smiled back. “I'm glad I could help.”
The drive took them out of Bellfrey and past the country club. Jessica's parents lived in a remote suburb of Hertford. Their house was secluded up a private driveway and surrounded by vegetation that hid it from sight.
“This is where you live?” Michael gawked at the house.
“Temporarily, while my leg is healing. I have an apartment in Bellfrey.”
Michael shook his head. “It baffles me that you work in a diner.”
Jessica stiffened. “I like working at the diner. And I make my own money.”
“I didn't mean it in a bad way.” Michael stopped the car in front of the house. “It's just... worlds apart.”
Jessica shrugged. "I think that's why I like it. If you throw a party here, people show up on their best behavior, to show themselves off. Money pulls all the strings and is at the forefront of everything. In Bellfrey, people come to have fun."
“I suppose that's true.” Michael shifted in his seat so he was turned more towards her. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
His eyes turned darker, deeper.
“Thank you for inviting me.” Jessica moved closer to him.
He inhaled and turned away. Jessica blinked while he got out and walked around the car.
She took a ragged breath and tried to smile as he opened her door. His hands were ready to help her up. She moved the crutches out of the way and took his hands. He pulled her up with ease.
Jessica grabbed his coat and leaned in.
“Are you ever going to kiss me?”
She had barely gotten the question out before his lips found hers. Hungry and searching they tasted her.
His hands moved around her waist as his lips softened. Her grip on his coat got tighter. The world spun as his hand moved up to her face and gently caressed her cheek.
He slowly let their lips part and leaned his forehead against hers.
Jessica was breathing heavily. "Thank you for the ride."
“My pleasure.”
She smiled when she realized he was breathing hard too.
“I should get inside.”
Jessica let go of him and leaned back against the car to steady herself while he got her crutches.
“Thank you.” She took them and faltered for a second, wondering if her lack of balance was from the crutches or the kiss.
“See you Monday.” Michael seemed worried, making the statement sound almost like a question.
Jessica smiled. “See you Monday.”
Chapter Fourteen
Jessica couldn't stop smiling as she approached the bank. Her mom was still at the big shareholders' meeting and her dad was at the conference. About a million times during Sunday, she had picked up the phone to call Michael only to put it back down.
She tried the door. It was open. That meant he was here. She steeled herself and went inside. The door opened after her.
“Good morning,” Maggie said. “How was your weekend?”
“Very nice.” Jessica tried not to smile too happily.
“My weekend was awful. We had to take a taxi to Langford. There was this new club opening.”
“The King, right?”
Maggie opened the door to the hallway.
“Right. We'll I can save you the trouble. There was nothing worth going for. The drinks were weak and the music way too loud.”
“I'm sorry to hear that.” Jessica walked through the door and held her breath.
Michael was in his office. She smiled. He looked up and smiled back.
“.. people,” Maggie said. “We finally had enough and moved on, only to find most places half empty.”
Jessica blushed and tried to focus on Maggie as they walked down the hall.
“Maybe I've just outgrown the club scene.” Maggie sighed and entered the kitchen. “I should probably get a cat and start knitting potholders.”
Jessica fished out the lunch bag. “Or maybe you just had a bad night.”
Maggie smiled and took off her coat. “You're probably right.” She disappeared to the front.
Jessica put away her food and her heart skipped a beat as she heard someone in the doorway.
“Lovely evening on Saturday, right?” Rita said.
“Very,” Jessica said and looked up.
Rita was the only one who had entered. Jessica moved aside to let her place her food in the fridge. With a smile, Rita hurried off to her office.
Jessica took a deep breath and left the kitchen. Michael's door was closed, and she heard him talking to someone. She sighed.
BY
LUNCHTIME, SHE WAS unable to focus on her work. Michael and Rita had been running back and forth, discussing and making phone calls all morning long. Neither of them had stopped for the mid-morning coffee, and Maggie was convinced something big was going down.
“Staying here for lunch again?” Maggie asked as she put on her coat.
Jessica nodded and held up her lunchbox. “Meatballs and spaghetti.”
“Oh, good you didn't leave yet.” Michael came into the kitchen followed by Rita. “Could you stay for a minute?” he asked Maggie.
“Sure.” Maggie sat down at the table.
Jessica tried to read his face. He looked serious and a bit anxious.
“There's a big shareholders' meeting going on at the moment and I'm going to have to attend.”
“Are they closing us down?” Maggie sat up straight.
“There's still no news on that front. All we know is that big changes are coming, and it's important that I attend this meeting.” He turned to Jessica. “I should be back on Wednesday.”
“You make sure they don't close us down,” Maggie said and stood up. “I happen to like my job and a lot of people depend on the bank. You tell them that.”
Michael nodded. “If the opportunity arises, I will.”
“Was that it?” Maggie asked and adjusted her turtle purse.
“That's it. You can go.”
Rita followed Maggie down the hall, muttering something about a phone call.
Michael and Jessica were alone.
“So, you have to go?” Jessica asked.
Michael nodded. “Only for a couple of days. But I need to leave straight away.”
Jessica nodded.
“Maybe we can do something when I get back? A date, I mean.” He wiped his hand on his pants.
Jessica smiled. “I'd like that.”
“Good.” He took a step closer, then hesitated. “I'll see you Wednesday.”
Before she could react, he turned around and left.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, Jessica was buttoning her coat, getting ready to leave, when the light from the hallway dimmed.
She looked up and a smile spread on her face.
Besides a few updates about the meeting from Rita, she hadn't heard anything from Michael since Monday.