First Class Menu (8 page)

“Whoa there!” David grabbed her so she didn’t fall. “Maybe
we should get you some coffee.”

“I should’ve have lunch,” she frowned.

“You haven’t eaten and you just downed three of those?”
David asked as he nodded at her empty glass.

“I like the taste,” she smiled. “I’m fine. Just got my heel
hooked on the foot rest here. Come on…let’s go fuck.”

David sat and stared at this gorgeous woman who had a mouth
like a sailor and a body like a goddess. “So did you want to get to know me at
all or do you just want to screw me?”

A devilish grin spread over her face. “Oh yeah. I screw you
to me,” she slurred.

*****

Lindsey sat on the sofa, her feet tucked under her and she
chewed on her thumb.

“It’s fine,” Audrey assured her through the phone. “Veronica
knows exactly what we’re trying to do and believe me, David will not sleep with
her.”

“I don’t think this was a good idea,” Lindsey shook her
head.

“Trust me,” Audrey cut her off. “David is clueless. I’ve
watched women try to flirt with him since he was in college and it’s like
they’re speaking a foreign language. He just doesn’t get it, or he just ignores
it. What we’re doing to tonight is trying to wake him up. We’re gonna give him
a good dose of ‘in your face’ seduction and then he’ll realize what I’ve known
all along. He’s old fashioned as is looking for the soul mate he doesn’t know
exists. You guys become friends and before you know it, he’ll have fallen for
you.”

Lindsey had accepted Audrey’s offer of help but was now
regretting the decision.  “I just don’t see how this is going to help.”

“It will. I promise. You’ll see.”

Lindsey hung up the phone and looked up at her reflection in
the television.
Pathetic
, she scowled.
I should just tell him I’m
interested.

*****

The only pieces that hadn’t sold in the gallery opening
belonged to Reggie. There were six pieces that were still available and David
had explained to Reggie it was because they were large pieces.

“Sculptures are bought by collectors who have lots of room,”
he said. “With the fantastic press we got and the satisfied buyers, the rest of
them will sell. It’ll just take a little longer.”

Because all of David’s pieces had sold on the first night,
Audrey was badgering him to bring in more.

“You aren’t in my good books right now,” David had frowned
when she’d brought it up for the third time that week.

“Why?”

“Because of Veronica!”

“What was wrong with her?” Audrey seemed baffled.

“Seriously?” David exclaimed. “She practically jumped me on
the bar. If she hadn’t had gotten herself drunk I’m not sure I could’ve made my
escape graciously. As it was, I had to enlist the help of two waiters to get
her up to her room safely and without incident.”

Audrey did her best to hide the grin that was forming. “I
had no idea she was going to come on so…so strong,” she lied.

“Yeah, well, you won’t be setting me up on anymore blind
dates.”

Lindsey unloaded the bags of groceries in David’s kitchen
and Freckles was weaving in between her legs making it impossible to make a
move without stepping on her or tripping over her.

“She likes you,” smiled David.

“Does she?”

“Yep. She’d be hiding under my bed otherwise.”

“I don’t know anything about animals,” Lindsey frowned.
“Well, unless they’re dead and butchered and then I’m an encyclopedia!”

“Don’t go getting any ideas,” David snickered as he pulled
the cat from under her feet. He lifted her to his chest and she snuggled into
him and purred loudly.

Lindsey laughed. “No ideas here. She really is quite pretty.
Her markings are beautiful.”

Freckles was a long-haired tortoise shell and was truly a
lover not a fighter. David had never thought of himself as a cat owner but now
he couldn’t imagine his life without her.

“She’s my girl,” he grinned and put her on the sofa. She
walked around in circles several times and then settled into a ball of fluff
and went to sleep. “So, what are we making today?”

“Meat!” Lindsey grinned. “Big, beautiful ribeyes!”

David smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

“And we are going to make mashed cauliflower, instead of
potatoes, and sautéed onions and mushrooms in a red wine reduction.”

“I’m in,” David replied eagerly.

Lindsey clicked into instructor mode and David learned how
to prep the veggies and boil the cauliflower. He grated cheese and Lindsey
reminded him how to turn on the oven.

“Perfect!” Lindsey praised as David showed her the diced
onion. “It’s important to have all the pieces roughly the same size so they
cook evenly. You don’t want burnt bits and raw bits in the same mouthful. Hell,
you don’t want burnt or raw pieces at all,” she laughed.

David was proud of his work as he sautéed the onions in some
butter and olive oil on the stove. He was really enjoying cooking. Lindsey was
making it seem very straight forward and he appreciated the easy manner she had
with him; not bossy or critical, but encouraging and educational.

“You’re a great teacher,” he said as he added oil to the
cast iron skillet heating up.

“Thanks,” she smiled. “I don’t do this for just anyone you
know.”

“Teach?”

“Private lessons,” she smiled. “That makes you very
special.”

“Well, thanks,” he smiled. “It’s very nice of you. And we
should probably talk about money today too.”

“Money? Why?”

“Well, I need to pay you…for your time and the supplies and
stuff.”

Lindsey sighed. “No you don’t. I never asked for that.”

“I know, but you shouldn’t have to shell out for all this,”
he said and waved his arm at all the food in the kitchen.

“David, I want to share this with you. I want you to be able
to cook for yourself, not because I want to be paid, but because I like…I like
doing it…teaching you…sharing my passion with you.”

“Well, I appreciate it. Thank you.”

“You know, Trudy always said that one of the ways you
connected with people was through food.”

“How’s that?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“Well…”

The buzzer sounded and David excused himself and went to talk
to his doorman. A few moments later there was a knock on the door. Lindsey bit
her bottom lip and sighed. She heard a woman’s voice and some laughing and then
they appeared from around the corner.

“Lindsey? This is Lou. Lou, this is Lindsey.”

“Nice to meet you,” Lou smiled and offered her hand.

Lindsey accepted her hand and said hello.

“So I got this call and instead of phoning you about it I
thought I’d just run over.”

“Sure! No problem. What’s up?”

“Alex Roberson called me!”

“Who’s that?” he asked.

“Alex Robeson? Only the best stylist in the city…in the
country! He does all the celebrity’s hair!”

“Okay, so what did he want?”

“He wants to buy some pieces for his new salon… on Rodeo
Drive!” she squealed.

“That’s in Los Angeles.”

“I know! It’s insane!”

“That’s awesome!” David grinned and pulled her into a hug.
“Just great.”

Lou pulled back and her expression had sobered.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, Dad said that I may have signed something that says I
can’t sell to anyone but the gallery.”

“No,” David shook his head. “I would never do that to an
artist. What you signed is a contract saying that once you gave us the pieces
for the opening we would sell them and take a cut. What you do with other work
is your own business. But I will tell you that now is the time to get some
professional help; an agent and a lawyer would be at the top of the list.”

“Why do I need a lawyer?” she looked confused.

“To make sure that all the contracts are in your best
interests and to make sure someone is looking out for YOU! I’ll hook you up
with my brother-in-law, Rory. He’ll take care of you.”

“I bless the day I met you David Lathem!” Lou hugged him
again. “I’d better get back to Dad and tell him the good news. And I’d better
get working. Alex wants ten pieces!”

“That’s awesome!” David congratulated her again. “I’m so
proud of you.”

Lou all but skipped out of the apartment and David returned
to the kitchen and Lindsey.

“Your pan is smoking,” he nodded at the skillet on the
stove.

“That means it’s ready for the steaks.”

The perfectly marbled pieces of meat sat on the tray ready
to be placed in the hot pan.

“Go for it,” Lindsey smiled.

Under her careful guidance, David cooked the steaks a
perfect medium rare and then pulled them from the skillet to rest. Then he
mashed the cauliflower and added the cheese and greek yogurt and lunch was
ready.

“You plate,” suggested Lindsey, “and I’ll pour the wine.”

David brought the two loaded plates through to the table and
they sat down and looked at the feast before them.

“You’re doing remarkably well,” she praised. “Let’s see how
it tastes.”

They each dug in and were silent for several minutes as they
focused on the food before them.

“Not bad,” David finally admitted with a hint of a smile.

“Not bad?” Lindsey challenged. “This is restaurant quality.”

David grinned and kept eating.

“So…Lou?” she asked

“Lou and her father just live a couple of blocks from me,”
David explained to Lindsey. “He has been ill and it’s nice that they live close
so I can help it if necessary. Not that I’ve had to do much. They’re pretty
independent.”

That really didn’t answer her question. “So how long have
you known her?”

“Not long. She is an amazing artist. Well, you would already
know that. You were at the gallery. You bought one of her paintings!”

“Oh yes,” Lindsey lied. “That I did.”

David had cleaned his plate. “That was delicious,” he
smiled.

Lindsey stood and helped to clear the table. David loaded
the dishwasher and cleaned the cast iron skillet just like he’d been taught.
Lindsey gathered up the leftovers and placed them in the fridge.

“I should get going.”

“Same time next week?” he asked brightly.

She nodded and let herself out.

*****

The next two Saturdays Lindsey arrived at David’s apartment
and made lunch just as planned. The first week they had grilled tuna and risotto
and on the second Saturday they made shepherd’s pie. As they were cleaning up
the kitchen after devouring the delicious food, David asked Lindsey for help.

“A couple of Sundays ago, I took a green salad to our family
dinner.”

“Bravo!” exclaimed Lindsey.

“Yeah, well, it was nothing fancy; just some lettuce and cut
up vegetables and I cheated and bought the dressing. But I did make croutons
just like you showed me.”

“Well done! And I’ll let you in on a secret,” she whispered.
“Sometimes I buy bottled dressing.”

“Oh well now I don’t feel nearly as bad,” David grinned. He
added the detergent to the dishwasher and closed the door and pushed the
buttons. He washed and dried his hands and hung up the tea towel. Turning back
to Lindsey he frowned.

“What is it?” she asked.

“My brothers were giving me a hard time about still not
knowing how to cook and I told them I could make anything with a little help.
They didn’t believe me. I want to show them that I’m not useless.”

“Of course you’re not useless,” she encouraged. “What would
you like to make?”

“I want to do dessert…something fancy and decadent…for next
Sunday. Do you think…could you…if you don’t mind…”

“I’d love to help you!” Lindsey smiled. “And I know what
will knock their socks off too. And it’s so easy you’ll be able to make it
whenever you like!” Lindsey looked around the small kitchen and then frowned.
“You don’t have a Kitchenaid.”

“I’ll get one…before Saturday. You’re awesome!” David threw
his arms around Lindsey and squeezed her tightly.

She closed her eyes and leaned into his solid frame.
Drinking in his aftershave, she tentatively placed her hands on the tight
muscles of his back. It felt wonderful and she knew instantly that she was in
real trouble. David stepped back and was grinning from ear to ear.

“What if I come with you to do the shopping for the supplies
and then after we’re done with the dessert, instead of making lunch I’ll take
you to lunch?”

“That’s sounds great,” she smiled. “Well, I should get
going. I’ll text you where and when to meet on Saturday morning.”

Lindsey picked up her bags and hurried to the front door. As
David closed it behind her she ran to the elevator and leaned her forehead
against the wall. “I’m in love with him,” she whispered. “And he has no idea.”
It was no longer a game. Audrey’s plan was of no use to her anymore. Her heart
was involved…and at risk.

The elevator dinged and Lindsey stepped back. As the doors
opened, the first thing she saw was blue hair.

“Oh hi! Lindsey right?” Lou smiled brightly as she stepped
off the lift.

“Yes, hi.” She attempted a smile.

“Have a great day!” Lou bounced past Lindsey and headed down
the hall, stopping in front of David’s door and knocking loudly. It opened and
Lou entered his apartment and then the door banged shut.

Lindsey stood in front of the elevator doors that had now
closed. She reached out her hand and pushed the down arrow for the second time.
She was deflated, like someone had knocked all of the air from her body. She
had found a kind, decent, intelligent, gorgeous man, and he was already
involved with a blue-haired teenager.

The doors opened and Lindsey stepped inside and pushed the
button for the lobby. Traveling down the few floors, she felt the earth move
under her feet and wished the lift would just carry her ever downward. The hope
and optimism she had felt just five minutes ago had vanished and had left a
massive hole, one she didn’t see filling very quickly.