The Make-Up Artist: Part 2

Chapter Forty: The Choice

The day is indeed grueling and long, and by the time you've dragged yourself away from the studio and driven yourself home, you are beyond exhausted. You hadn't had much time to eat or drink, let alone think about Taron and your interesting encounter with him the night before. You had also been taken by surprise when Lisa called you midday inviting you to her baby shower this weekend in San Francisco. It seems a little early for a shower, but she explained that it was the only time both families could attend. She had even sent you an email with a plane ticket leaving early Saturday morning. You had almost forgotten just how wealthy her family is, to be able to send you a ticket not even knowing if you could attend. Unable to think about the prospect of attending a baby shower for your estranged best friend and former ex-boyfriend, you tell her you will have to consult your work schedule and let her know.

Now that your emotionally charged day has finally come to end, all you really can think about is a gloriously hot shower, take out food and your warm bed. So, you are more than a little surprised to find Taron waiting in the lobby of your apartment building when you trudge inside making a beeline for the elevator. He is sitting on one of the white cushioned arm chairs, wearing a navy suit with his jacket removed and tie loosened, the top two buttons of his shirt undone. He also appears to have several grocery bags sitting at his feet.

"Taron?" You gasp, not even bothering to hide the surprise in your voice, or the smile you feel spreading across your face. His head pops up from his phone in his hand, and the look on his face matches your own.

"Hello love..."

Ignoring his greeting you ask, "What are you doing here?" You realize your voice could give the impression that you aren't exactly pleased to see him so you soften your tone as you approach the chair. "I mean, your awards show...? You ask, glancing down at his attire again.

"It's over. Didn't take long. Didn't feel like going to the after party so I decided to grab some groceries and cook you dinner. Figured you'd be starving and knowing you, probably didn't take time to eat today", he adds, cocking an eyebrow. You're not sure if it's endearing or annoying that he knows you so well, but you decide on endearing for the moment. "I'm sure I looked pretty interesting walking around the market in this get-up", he continues, chuckling to himself.

Glancing at your watch you see that it's just after 10:00 pm. "Wait, you left your awards party to go shopping and cook me dinner? What...? Why?" You are beyond dumbfounded at this man and his crazy whims, but you have to admit, you sort of love it.

"Because I fly back to London soon and I wanted to see you again. Is that alright?" He asks, dead serious, and you clear your throat of the small lump that's suddenly formed there.

"Yes, of course. Just surprised is all."

"That's me, full of surprises", he replies blandly as he finally stands, gathering up his bags as he does. "Shall we?" He asks, indicating the elevator. You nod and lead the way. You are mostly silent on the way up to your floor except for asking him how the awards were.

"Oh fine", he simply states, and you leave it at that.

Once you've reached the inside of the apartment, you set down your bag and take one of the grocery bags from Taron's hands, then lead him into the kitchen. All the bags are set on the kitchen table, then you go about helping Taron empty the contents.

"So, what are you making?" You ask, genuinely curious.

"My famous curry. I love making it for people", he adds with a grin.

"Oh, sounds yummy. I've never actually had it", you admit, feeling very un-otherworldly.

"Are you joking?" He asks, stopping his unpacking mid-sentence.