She walked into the room unsure of what to do or where to go.
The piano still being played intermittently. She could hear him singing and humming quietly. Grabbing her notebook and pen she waited for a break and quietly knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"Hi, sorry to bother you. I just wondered what you would like to eat tonight and will Mrs Miranda be eating as well?"
Lin stood up, grabbed his empty cup and walked over to her.
"I need a break. Another coffee?"
She nodded, her breath catching as he smiled at her. She felt herself going red.
Where had that feeling come from!
She followed him into the kitchen and watched him getting the drinks.
"Take a seat, we can go through whatever it is you're wanting to know."
Iris smiled, what she really wanted to know was why he was making her feel as though she had a kaleidoscope of butterflies in her stomach.
Lin passed her a drink and sat down opposite her smiling.
"So. I'm not sure what exactly happens here. We aren't an extravagant couple, having a live in chef for a week is a real new thing for us, so help me out. Where do I start?"
Iris laughed.
"Well, probably best start with the basics. Any allergies?"
Lin shook his head.
"Ok. Any dietary requirements? Vegetarian? Vegan?"
"Nope."
"Great. Any foods that are on the dislike list and not to be included in anything?"
Lin pondered the question, his brown eyes frowning.
"Gia hates bananas so they're a no no. Erm.... Oh for me, asparagus!"
Iris smiled and nodded.
"Is it because of the ......"
"....... Asparagus pee!"
Lin finished her sentence off and they both started to laugh. He carried on.
"I can smell it whenever I see anyone eating it! Apart from that. No I think that's it."
He had such a beautiful smile Iris got lost in it for a second.
They both turned as the door opened. Lin stood up.
"Hey love. Good day? Coffee?"
Gia sighed and took off her coat kissing Lin on his cheek as she did.
Iris suddenly felt jealous although she knew she had no right to.
"Busy busy, and I'd love a coffee thank you darling."
She noticed Iris, and smiled extending her hand.
"Welcome to our home! Hope Lin has shown you what's what?"
Iris nodded.
"He's made me very welcome thank you Mrs Miranda."
"Oh lord, please call me Gia. Did I interrupt something?"
Lin shook his head.
"Nope. We were just going through likes and dislikes food wise. Don't worry, I've mentioned bananas."
Gia laughed.
"Asparagus?"
"Yep! That too"
Iris looked at them both.
"So what would you like me to cook for you tonight? I can do a meal plan for you to have a look at the rest of the week later."
Gia sighed.
"I'm not going to be popular I'm afraid. I have to go away for a few days with work from tomorrow so I won't be around. I'm really sorry."
Lin looked at her and frowned.
"Where to?"
"I'll fill you in later. Let's get tonight's food sorted though."
After much discussion they decided to go simple for the first night and finally agreed on pizza. Lin was all for going and getting a take out to let Iris settle in but she vehemently refused.
"I'm here to cook. Let me at least make it for you! I'll go and grab what I need. Ok to eat about 7?"
Gia smiled and nodded.
"Sounds perfect"
They watched her leave telling her the best routes to take.
"You sure you'll be ok?"
Iris laughed.
"Hey, I'm not as innocent as I look."
Lin turned to her and raised his eyebrows. She shook her head quickly, reddening.
"I mean, I know how to look after myself."
He smiled at her and winked cheekily, Gia completely oblivious to the interaction.
She laughed quietly to herself as she walked down the stairs, her face burning.
"So where are you off to?"
Lin questioned.
Gia sighed.
"It's a last minute emergency conference in Philadelphia to discuss the business going forward, we're looking to put the new offices there."
"Philadelphia? Why there?"
Gia brushed his question aside.
"Why not! I'm sorry, I know it's sudden but I have to go."
"Hey, it's fine. These things happen. Just wish it wasn't while Iris was here though. It will feel kind of weird just being in the house with her on my own."
Gia looked at him.
"I'm pretty sure no one is going to be thinking of you as another Brian Fisher. I wouldn't worry."
Lin frowned.
"Jeez I hope not! That's not what I meant though. I meant I feel as though I have to be including her in conversation and watching what I do without you here."
Gia smiled.
"Yeah, no farting in front of the TV."
Lin rolled his eyes playfully.
"Excuse me! I don't fart."
She walked round and put her arms round him.
"No, of course you don't. You're Mr Broadway. Mr Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way."
He smiled.
"Better!"
Turning his head he kissed her gently. "Fancy taking Mr Poppins to bed and showing him how the bad girls do it?"
She pulled back quickly.
"I need to make a few calls, and Iris will be back soon. Sorry."
Lin nodded and watched her walk away.
"I'll get back to work then."
Gia answered as she walked to the other room.
"Ok, don't forget to hydrate."
He sighed.
In previous times they would have been at it the second they were alone. He filled a bottle with water and went to his music room.
