Alice and the Hot Banker Heir

Bon Apetit

Richard was impressed with Alice. He did not know she had a talent in the kitchen…and it felt so right having her here, at home, in his kitchen.

He let her go home and change into something more comfortable and he did the same before letting her in again. She looked cute in a zip-up sweatshirt and lounge trousers. There again, he had the feeling she would look cute in anything. She borrowed one of his aprons and was helping him take out the pan and other utensils…after all, she too wanted to be part of this cooking adventure.

Richard placed the meat in the microwave to defrost and asked her whether she wanted roast potatoes or fries with her meat. She chose roast potatoes and he correspondingly took out the potatoes and washed them, promising her that he would show her how to make them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

“You get the potatoes and I’ll get the meat.” She instructed seriously, which was very funny when she stood in her fuzzy socks, holding a fork in her tiny hand.

“Yes madam.” Grinned Richard, “Where did you learn to cook, anyway?” he asked, curiously.

“Oh, I started venturing out on my own pretty soon in life and sort of taught myself, especially when I took seasonal jobs away from home. How about you?”

“My best friend, Ray, taught me how to when we landed at the same college dormitory. Oh, the meat might be ready…” he said, pushing the button to stop the microwave beeping. Taking out the meat, he set the plate in front of Alice, on the island, curious as to what she was going to do.

Right away, she poured olive oil into the pan and started chopping some onions. Taking his cue from her, he started to do the same with the potatoes. They worked in silence as she threw the onions in the pan and started crushing a tooth of garlic while he placed the potatoes on the baking tray and poured some olive oil on them before adding salt and pepper and a little mayo on them. Alice placed the meat in the pan and poured white wine on it, making sure she had enough that it would marinate. The only sounds were those of the utensils being used, the drizzle against the window and the large TV set on low volume in the open plan.

It felt right to be there, with each other, cooking together, creating something they could enjoy and simply feeling comfortable in the presence of the other. At one point, they both reached for the salt and their hands touched. His hand was on top of hers and they fit so perfectly, it was so warm and right, they smiled and he let go, gesturing that she should go first.

“Ever the gentleman.” She said with a laugh.

“I make an effort.” He winked back.

“Do you prefer cooking or baking?” she asked, tilting her head to one side, as if she was analysing him.

“Oh, it’s enough that I cook. I don’t bake!” he chuckled, putting the potatoes in the oven.

“I prefer baking, feels cosier, somehow. Next time I do it, I’ll let you sample.” Said Alice, turning all the veal slices, letting them marinate until the potatoes were half done.

“I’ll expect nothing less, after all, I am offering my chauffer services.” he raised his brow in mock seriousness, wagging his finger at her.

“Yes and thank you for that, by the way. You’re really kind to do that and if it’s ever an inconvenience for you…”

“Nonsense, I offered, and it’s never an inconvenience. If anything, it makes me feel good, like I’m doing my bit for the environment.”

Laying down the tea towel, after washing the chopping board he’d used, he joined her on the barstool next to the island as they waited for the potatoes to cook. “Would you like wine, by any chance?”

An embarrassed look took over Alice’s features. “Would you believe it if I told you I’m not a wine person? Honestly, every time I tried it, it burned my nose and didn’t taste nice.”

Richard couldn’t help laughing, making her shake her head. She got off the barstool and after checking the potatoes, she decided it was time to get started on the meat, so she switched on the burner. Then, she felt two hands on her shoulders, turning her around before finding herself in a warm embrace.

“I did not mean to laugh at you, I’m sorry.” Said Richard in her hair. His scent, warmth and voice were overwhelming to her. She inhaled and rested her forehead against his shoulder.

“I will start calling you captain meany…” she said.

Richard could feel her smiling against his shoulder and was relieved. “If you do that, I will never live it down, so tell me what you’d like to drink and we’ll call it even.”

He missed her when she pulled away to turn over the meat again.

“Cola would be great.” She said “and don’t even ask how old I am!”

Hearing nothing but silence, she turned around “You wouldn’t even dream of buying Cola, would you, Mr.Healthfreak?” she said before bursting out laughing.

Richard looked down “Now who’s captain meany?” he retorted, a smile making its way across his face.

“Water would do great, Richard.” Said Alice, “but let’s set the table first!”