Kitchen Witch

29 |Burnt Grunt

Charlotte had agonized over what to make for dinner, not wanting anything fancy and over the top like she would have served in the past. She had been tempted to do lobster but was intimated to make it for someone whose livelihood revolved around the crustacean. She wanted something hardy and filling and decided to go with a classic surf and turf. She had driven to the nearest butcher shop to secure island beef in the form of beautifully marbled rib-eye steaks. Scotty had hooked her up with a bag of Digby scallops fresh from the docks, which, of course, came with a giant side of teasing. Word travelled fast in the village, and somehow, he already knew about her dinner plans. She didn't mind the teasing, though, although she would have never let him know that, but it made her feel like she was beginning to belong again.

She had equally agonized over what to wear, wanting to look a little more done up than her usual wear but not look like she was trying too hard. She had tried on a matching linen set with wide-leg pants and a flowy top in a beautiful azure blue. But felt like she was going to an art gallery. Her favourite green dress with the mustard floral print was a no-go, having already worn it to the ceilidh. She finally settled on a teal green off-the-shoulder maxi dress with an incredibly comfortable smocked bodice and ruffle trim near the ankles. Her usual pale skin had taken on a golden kiss in the summer's sun and was on full display with the off-the-shoulder cut. She had forgone a bra, trusting that the smocking would hold the girls up as long as she didn't partake in any rambunctious activities. 

She felt a flush in her face and giggled at that thought, somewhat shamefully hoping for such activities. A flash of panic hit her as the thought settled. Was that a possibility? Was she even ready for that? She had only ever been with her husband. They had been so routine and formal almost she couldn't imagine what to do with someone new. She didn't even want to think about the whole naked part. Her thoughts were now stuck on naked and imagining his large muscular body. 

"God help me."

Charlie barked, bringing her attention to the front window. Sure enough, Riley's red truck had just pulled into the drive. Charlotte walked over to the front door, swinging it open to let Charlie bound out in greeting. Charlotte leaned her hip against the side of the door, watching Riley greet Charlie with affection. His usually surly nature melted at the sight of the big golden retriever. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, not his work jeans. No, these were more fitted and without grease stains. A fitted blue tee showed off the years of physical work. As he got closer, she could see that he had trimmed his beard. A warm breeze took up rattling the seashell wind chime and brought with it the smell of his aftershave and that signature fresh briney ocean scent.

The sound of the wind chimes and the sudden breeze rustling across the front porch as he approached made Riley smile. "Is that you?" He said, referring to the sudden uptake in wind.

Charlotte smiled back, feeling a little insecure about the appearance of the wind magic, given all that had happened. But his smile didn't hold judgment and felt genuine, so she answered. "Yes and no, sometimes it seems just to have a mind of its own."

"Mmmm– interesting." He held out a bouquet of wildflowers, orange and yellow marigolds and purple and blue cornflowers. "I picked them myself." He said with a childish grin.

"Thank you; I love them." She said, taking them into her hands and unable to help herself, she added, "Did you know that Marigolds have anti-inflammatory properties?"

"No, I did not," he laughed, stepping into the house.

Charlotte had set the little table in the kitchen, wanting to keep things informal rather than dine in the dining room. She walked over to the wine rack and pulled out a bottle of red that would pair nicely with steak.