Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 12: Just Business

The stew was done and Eleanor volunteered to prepare our plates. I offer to help anyway and follow her to kitchen. Like my mother, I sit the pot in the middle, setting up the other sides around the main dish. The meal didn't suit the fancy dress and suit worn by our "lovely" guests and I smirked as Xxavier eyed everyone's attire, seeming a little uncomfortable as he adjusted his tie. Eliza on the other hand didn't notice as her eyes were glued to the pot, a wistful expression on her face. Her sad eyes took a glimpse over at me and tried to smile , but I quickly diverted mine elsewhere, still disgusted from my earlier discovery. I couldn't get caught up in old memories and ignore the facts. So if I didn't have to make contact with her, I wouldn't.

"Did you make this?" Eliza quizzed, directing the question to me. "Yes." I said shortly.

"Quite traditional, don't ya think?" She tried to joke but I tried to refrain from rolling my eyes and just gave her a tight smile.

Eleanor decided to speak up next. "It's an old family recipe." She explains. "When Louis first took me to meet his family, she made this and I nearly cried it was so good. Lou's a close second though to the real thing." She teased. I playfully nudged her and she stole a kiss from me to ease the blow. Noticing Eliza's new silence, I suspect she didn't enjoy the action as much as I did. Well that's just too bad.

I decided to take it a step further and snake my arm around Eleanor's waist, pulling her in to whisper in her ear. She giggled, leaning into me more as I made innocent threats if she kept talking about my cooking. I was more than satisfied to see Eliza's hardened features as she tried to distract herself with eating and waved off any attempt for her husband to find what was bothering her. Her eyes flicker to me and I send her a small smirk before starting this evenings conversation.

"So, you were a fan eh?"

Xxavier nods absently, still trying to coax Eliza and answer me. "Yeah, I um- I'm originally from there ma'self. Have a soft spot for the home team."

"Is that so? What school did you attend?" I ask, suddenly interested. We could be unknown colleagues.

"St. Babin's Academy." He said proudly. "And ya'self?"

"St. Malvore's." I say a little edgy. He only responded "oh", understanding the instant dislike that came with our alumni. Eliza couldn't contain her laughter. She was thoroughly pleased to have caused a little discomfort for either me or her partner, maybe even both. I shot her glare to stop her cackling but she only held up her glass and cheered, "To unity!" And took a long swig of her wine.

"Was that all the questions you wanted to ask, Louis?" She asked coolly when she had settled down. "Go on, Xxavier, tell 'em how we met. It's a lovely story."

"Please." Eleanor begs, giving him a fake pout. It takes everything in me not to flick her mouth and tell her to quit. Why the hell does she care how they met anyway.

I purposely block out their little story time, trying to find anything that could distract my ears from hearing that nonsense. Eliza's little fairy tale wedding bullshit; they can keep it for themselves. I contemplate kneeling down on one knee this very moment just to shut him up and throw it in Eliza's face later so she can share in my sour mood. She'd probably rampage and blow this whole scheme if I did and I'm not ready to deal with a warring Eliza just yet, not when there's so much to lose. I'll have to figure out a different strategy. If she's torturing me with her husband tonight then I'll just keep giving Eleanor extra attention.

"El, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" I blurt, interrupting their story. Eleanor looks at Xxavier apologetically but blushes at my compliment.

"Thank you." She says graciously. I catch her lips at the last moment and bring her in to sit closer to me, nearly situated on my lap. Point one, Louis.