Page 6 of This Mate Thing

"Yeah?"

"I asked him over for dinner in half an hour.What's my best dish?"

"What!You did what?"

"Asked him to dinner, and the kid."Ira, I have to remember his name.Simon will not be impressed if I forget.

"Slow down.You talked to him?"

I sigh.I don't have time for lengthy explanations."I was out in the garage."I yank open the refrigerator.Pasta perhaps?It's quick."He turned in on the driveway, and then they sat in the car for ages.I walked over and knocked on the window.He looked..."I didn't know how to explain it."Broken."

"Broken?"

"Exhausted.Dejected.Miserable.I don't know.Like all hope had left him."

"Fuck."

"Yeah, so I asked him to dinner."

"And he accepted?"There is surprise in her voice.

"Eh...not the first time I asked, or told him, but then I said he was breaking my heart, which he was, so he said yes."

She groans, but I ignore her.

"So what do I cook?What's child-friendly food?"

"Hmm.I don't know."

"Creamy broccoli pasta with loads of cheese?"

"Do kids eat broccoli?"

I open the freezer.I have broccoli."Don't they?"

"I don't know.I asked you."

"I have shredded chicken."I grab the pack."Pasta with chicken and spinach."Luckily, I have a bag of fresh spinach in the fridge.

"Oh, the creamy one you do with pasta penne and Parmesan?"

I hum in reply and grab a bottle of white wine.I always add half a cup or so of dry white wine."Do kids like wine?"

"Erm...I think it's illegal to serve them.Maybe that's what will make you call me from jail, serving alcohol to children."

"Idiot.I mean, I always have wine in the sauce, but maybe--"

"Make it like you normally make it.Can I come over?I'm hungry now."

"No!You stay away.This is my first date with the love of my life, you're not allowed to come along."

She laughs."But I can bring garlic bread."

"I have garlic bread."I yank open the freezer again.Thank fuck for garlic bread.Though..."Do you think he'll kiss me if I've had garlic bread?"

She's quiet, and nerves swirl in my belly.

"Boris."The tone tells me everything I need to know.Or not everything, but I know I won't like what comes next."I'm not sure there will be any kissing tonight."