Lovesick

14

"When I said to bring your appetite, I didn't mean to starve yourself to death."

Eric shrugged. Earlier that day Olivia had invited him to dinner as a way to start over.

That day he had a busy schedule and couldn't catch a break. Worse of all, he had been running late that morning and skipped breakfast. He had been looking forward to dinner, albeit, he was worried about the company well.

"You told me to bring my appetite and so I did."

"I need to rethink every word I speak to you."

Eric laughed as he munched on his steak. Damn did she chose the best steakhouse here.

"You know, your place is literally a run down house right?"

As she shrugged, she responded, "Well, I was tired of being pampered at home, well more like I wanted to live for myself you know?"

"I clearly don't. Been an independent boy my whole life. Got a supportive family too."

"Gee. Rub it in why don't you? As I was saying, I needed to learn to survive on my own. I had been...uh... sick for a long time, so my parents grew over protective of me. At first, it was confusing but tolerable, but now? Now I'm a grown ass woman still living on her dad's funds.

So I took the first cheap house I could find and settle in. Got myself employed too but due to my lack of experience, I need to take a sabbatical and go for some workshops. Was surprised I even got it, so I sent complain about the pay just yet.

But yeah, the house sucks, I get that now. I should learn to be more patient. But I really wanted to make myself anew, start fresh and all that jazz that I just didn't bother to check."

"You know what they say, never look at a gift house in the mouth." Eric mumbled.

"It's gift horse. And I think I got that now." She said in a deadpan. Slowly realizing something, she asked, "Why do live on that shithole then?"

At that, Eric raised his glass, "To crummy houses, may we learn to check what we buy and live safely."

As she raised her glass in tandem, she spoke, "So you are just as guilty of having done it that way too. Good to know."

Their glasses were almost empty but they still followed through with their mock toast, clinging the glasses and drinking the remaining wine. Olivia signalled their waiter to get the rest and refill their drinks.

Eric wasn't complaining. The rest of the evening went on smoothly. They spoke about the house, what could be done, how Eric survived in his and what she could do with hers.

Neighbour stuff.

It was nice, Eric thought as they were walking back to their neighbourhood, he wouldn't mind doing this more often.

Clearly she thought the same as well, considering the fact that she asked if he was interested to join her the day after.

"How could I ever refuse?" He smirked, "free food?"

She laughed, "Just this time. I'm trying to save and be independent. Can't keep taking my old man's cash."

Eric pretended to take off a hat from his head and bowed, "I shall gladly accompany you as we shall feast on your father's green sheets this last time."

"I didn't take you for a dramatic one, I think I was right calling you Mal èeve Dummkfop."

Eric let out a groan. "My name is Eric Saunders."

"Jeez, that's a boring one. I think my name for you is more fitting."

"Totally isn't."

"Is too."

"Isn't."

"Is."

"Is. Not."

"Is. Too."

"Not."

"Changing the way you say it doesn't make a difference. It totally is, to me. So I shall continue calling you as I please."

"Please don't."

"Goodnight, Eric."

"Goodnight Olivia."

"LATER Mal èeve Dummkfop!" Goddammit.  Looks like it'll stick for awhile. Why does it remind me of back then?