More to Life ✔

Chapter 9 The Show

Rialoves2cook: I've bought more chickpeas because it's time for falafels! It's an important day for an important person in my life and what better way to share positive vibes and cheer them on than making their favourite food! Do you have any 'good luck' dishes you cook for those you care about?

#falafels #youllrockittonight #vegetarian #chickpeas

Posted: September 21st 3:05pm

***

Maria stood at the stoop of the place she'd called home for a year and a half, feeling like a stranger. She hadn't returned since her family had helped her move out on a day Adrian's mom had texted he would be away. Now, Maria carried a platter of falafels and his favourite hummus. To make up for missing the last performance, she'd support him twice for tonight's performance by cooking for him and being the audience.

After he lumbered down the stairs, he approached with an uncomfortable smile. Had she upset him?

He swung open the door and stood in the gap. "Hey, Ria," he said plainly.

"I hope you don't mind; I made you something for good luck tonight." She held out a reusable bag with a jar of homemade hummus and extended the falafels.

He accepted the present with a nervous laugh. "You scared me when you had a surprise for me on performance night. Is this a 'sorry I can't make it' gift?"

Maria frowned. Why would that be his first reaction to her presence? "No, I want to go, if that's okay."

With a heart-warming smile, Adrian nodded. "Wanna come up?"

Uneasiness creeping up her neck made her pause before she agreed. She shook off the feeling as she needed time with Adrian to support him and rebuild their trust. "That'd be nice."

Their footsteps echoed as they walked up to the apartment in silence. Despite speaking every day, it was hard to know where their friendship stood and where his relationship with Kelsey was. She'd stopped posting happy selfies after Maria and Adrian went to the coffee shop weeks ago, but he still mentioned her from time to time.

"I feel like a celebrity getting your cooking," he teased.

"I'm hardly famous. My followers are mostly my family and other contestants."

"You've gotten a lot of attention from other people too." His neutral tone made her wonder if it was too much popularity. Perhaps the competition was a mistake. He'd told her before when she was the centre of attention, he often felt like she'd leave him. "You have a real shot at the prize."

Maria shrugged. The round one prize money would be nice to pay back some ingredient costs. But the month was two-thirds over, and her relationship with Adrian was still shaky. Would he forgive her in three months when the last round ended?

"Are you nervous about performing tonight?" Maria asked.

He chewed on his lip. "Always, but worse than usual."

"Maybe the hummus will help."

"Your food always does, and your company is a bonus." He flashed a genuine smile that made her heart flutter. Perhaps Paris could happen for them if she somehow won.

They reached the front door, and Adrian invited her in. The apartment looked similar to when she lived there. The couch pillows were arranged the way she put them, guitars sat in their stands, and the place smelled like some natural soy candle and incense. After removing her shoes, she scanned the room for stray items Kelsey might have left, but nothing seemed foreign. Maria exhaled a sigh of relief.

Adrian had wandered into the kitchen and was transferring the warm food onto a dish. The dark counters were piles with crusty dishes, bags of quinoa and couscous, and a compost bowl. "Mind sharing a plate? I've been too focused on the show to deal with this mess."