a/n: this has been sitting in my drafts needing to be reread but I swear it's never going to get posted if I keep waiting so... my apologies for any grammar/spelling mistakes I'll fix it at some point
I knock softly on the door, holding tightly to the shoulder strap of my unusually large bag. It's only because I have some things for Kate that it was just easier to carry this way. She yells for me to come in and I enter, locking the door behind me this time to prevent any unwanted visitors. As I look around I smile, I've always been in awe of this place. The big windows and open space, nature on all sides. I did propose she sell it however, after the divorce.
He left the house to her and she lives here all alone, it makes me worry about her sometimes. I stayed with her for a few weeks after everything was settled because she had quite the mix of emotions. Once she had processed it, she decided she wanted to keep the house because she loves the view and location. She even offered for me to move in with her but unfortunately I do have a lease and breaking it would not be in my best interest.
A delicious variety of smells make their way past my nose and I follow it into the kitchen. She turns the music even lower and looks up to meet my eyes with a glass of wine in her hands. Her hair is up in a cute ponytail and she wears her favorite apron. I am still in my work clothes, rather unfortunately, as I would've had to pass her to get back to my apartment and it just didn't make sense. A little blush rises to her cheeks as I get closer and set my bag down, pouring myself a glass of wine as well.
She's quite the shy one, I find it absolutely adorable honestly. She's always blushing at any little compliment I give her and the wine certainly adds to that. She's always extra giggly whenever she drinks.
"I umm — I cooked"
She takes off the apron in one skilled and swift motion. I've always admired how acquainted she is with the kitchen, mostly because I lack such grace. Katie can make just about anything you can think of and if she doesn't know how then she can certainly learn fast.
"I see. What's on the menu? Smells good"
"It's a gratin of Florence fennel, new potatoes, clam and sorrel soup... with cream and mirepoix, and stuffed quail..."
I nod slowly taking a sip of wine and don't take my eyes off her as I try not to giggle.
"What...? It was just for fun i-if you want something else"
"No, Katie, really it's great. I just... have no idea what half of what you just said is"
She blushes and giggles, putting down her wine and I follow her lead. She takes both of my hands in hers and drags me over to the pots on the stove.
"So, gratin of Florence fennel is like... well really simply it's baked fennel but trust me it's so much more — very very good. New potatoes are just harvested earlier than the bigger ones so they're sweeter and the skin is more... mm tender and flaky. Sorrel soup is kind of tangy but with the clams and cream it balances out a bit. Mirepoix is like diced vegetables cooked in fat for a long time to kind of sweeten them and well stuffed quail is just stuffed bird"
She giggles and so do I as I stare at her in awe. I've never known anyone to cook such good homemade meals let alone so often. It's as if this is just a normal thing to her and it makes me feel so warm inside.
"Was I talking too fast? Do you need-"
I lean forward and wrap my arms around her which ceases her worries. She sighs softly and hugs me back, her flyaways tickling my nose. I hold her for a while, not wanting to pull away but also trying to refrain from being awkward.
