In the Game of Love

Chapter 11

The knock on my door sends a frisson of nervous anticipation through me. I take a steadying breath before pulling it open to find Sonny standing there.

His smile is warm, but I can't help noticing the shadows under his eyes.

There is a trace of awkwardness between us after the, let's call it a 'bump in the road', that we resolved only last night.

I subconsciously put my hands behind my back and look down.

'Hey,' I manage to mumble out.

'Hey, you!' he responds brightly, stepping in with familiarity and ease like he's been here dozens of times and not just that one time.

Even with the risk of getting caught by the paparazzi, we decided to meet at my place, because all things considered, it's still seemed like the safest place. He said he took some extra precautions to throw them off his trail for what it's worth.

If it was so easy, then why could he have not just done that to begin with?

'Take a seat,' I tell him as he's taking off his shoes and I busy myself in my tiny kitchen dishing over take-out from my favorite Thai place. I feel bad to be repaying him with such a cheap meal after that gourmet course he treated me to in Mayfair, but there are just not that many fine dining options available for delivery.

Maybe I should have cooked?

But what if he hated it?

'Let me help,' his voice startles me, making my heart jump. He snuck up so quietly that I hadn't even noticed him standing directly behind me.

This man...Is he going to pay for my hospital bills if I get a heart attack at this rate?

I guess he can afford to.

I will my fingers to be steady and not make a mess on the buttermilk quartz countertops. It's hard to think straight with him standing so close to me.

I can do this.

He rolls up the sleeves of his grey hoodie and starts to take apart the packaging methodically with his long, elegant fingers. I watch him surreptitiously from the corner of my eye. His face appears neutral, but the slump of his shoulders is speaking volumes. Yesterday's loss is probably weighing heavily on him. With a twinge, I realize, how much I want to lighten that burden, if only for a little while.

We move over all the dishes to the dining table in one go. The dining area resides in its own cozy nook of the living room, tucked snugly beside the semi-open kitchen. Two sleek chairs with charcoal leather seats and brass legs surround a circular mid-century modern walnut table. A bunch of week-old white peonies in a ceramic vase are the only piece of décor on top of the table.

I go back to the kitchen and bring over cutlery, plates, and drinks.

'Let's maybe drink just water today, eh?' Sonny smiles teasingly, looking back and forth at the beer cans and me, as we take our seats.

My face heats up recalling how embarrassingly drunk I got last time we were here together. The cool April air drifting in from the partially open window offers little respite.

I pout at him, but I can't really argue.

Sonny's eyes dance with humor at my reaction. I smile too and just like that the tension and awkwardness disappear.

It feels so good, just to be looking at him like this, being in the same space and sharing a simple meal. Because that's what is important isn't it? Just spending time together like this.