First Class Menu Page 7

  In a matter of moments, her glass was empty and she ordered another. As she waited for the bartender she turned back to David.

  “Where were we?” she purred. “Oh yes! I was going to give you this.” Veronica reached into her purse and pulled out a hotel key. “I went ahead and got us a room.”

  David swallowed…hard. He watched Veronica swing back to her fresh drink and suck the straw in between her bright red pursed lips. And then she downed that drink faster than anyone he’d ever seen. As she ordered another, David looked at her full breasts busting out of her halter top. Her waist was tiny and her legs went on forever. She wore a short leather skirt and very high heels and the effect was intoxicating. The bartender’s movement snapped him back to the present…a hotel key lying on the marble bar in front of him.

  “So Veronica,” he began. “Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself.”

  “I’m single and I do yoga so I’m very…bendy.”

  “Well okay then,” David chuckled. “Do you have a job?”

  “Keeping myself looking like this is a full time job.”

  “I bet it is.”

  “So let’s go upstairs and I’ll make you appreciate the hours of yoga I do.” As she slipped off the chair, she slipped off the chair.

  “Whoa there!” David grabbed her so she didn’t fall. “Maybe we should get you some coffee.”

  “I should’ve have lunch,” she frowned.

  “You haven’t eaten and you just downed three of those?” David asked as he nodded at her empty glass.

  “I like the taste,” she smiled. “I’m fine. Just got my heel hooked on the foot rest here. Come on…let’s go fuck.”

  David sat and stared at this gorgeous woman who had a mouth like a sailor and a body like a goddess. “So did you want to get to know me at all or do you just want to screw me?”

  A devilish grin spread over her face. “Oh yeah. I screw you to me,” she slurred.

  *****

  Lindsey sat on the sofa, her feet tucked under her and she chewed on her thumb.

  “It’s fine,” Audrey assured her through the phone. “Veronica knows exactly what we’re trying to do and believe me, David will not sleep with her.”

  “I don’t think this was a good idea,” Lindsey shook her head.

  “Trust me,” Audrey cut her off. “David is clueless. I’ve watched women try to flirt with him since he was in college and it’s like they’re speaking a foreign language. He just doesn’t get it, or he just ignores it. What we’re doing to tonight is trying to wake him up. We’re gonna give him a good dose of ‘in your face’ seduction and then he’ll realize what I’ve known all along. He’s old fashioned as is looking for the soul mate he doesn’t know exists. You guys become friends and before you know it, he’ll have fallen for you.”

  Lindsey had accepted Audrey’s offer of help but was now regretting the decision. “I just don’t see how this is going to help.”

  “It will. I promise. You’ll see.”

  Lindsey hung up the phone and looked up at her reflection in the television. Pathetic, she scowled. I should just tell him I’m interested.

  *****

  The only pieces that hadn’t sold in the gallery opening belonged to Reggie. There were six pieces that were still available and David had explained to Reggie it was because they were large pieces.

  “Sculptures are bought by collectors who have lots of room,” he said. “With the fantastic press we got and the satisfied buyers, the rest of them will sell. It’ll just take a little longer.”

  Because all of David’s pieces had sold on the first night, Audrey was badgering him to bring in more.

  “You aren’t in my good books right now,” David had frowned when she’d brought it up for the third time that week.

  “Why?”

  “Because of Veronica!”

  “What was wrong with her?” Audrey seemed baffled.

  “Seriously?” David exclaimed. “She practically jumped me on the bar. If she hadn’t had gotten herself drunk I’m not sure I could’ve made my escape graciously. As it was, I had to enlist the help of two waiters to get her up to her room safely and without incident.”

  Audrey did her best to hide the grin that was forming. “I had no idea she was going to come on so…so strong,” she lied.

  “Yeah, well, you won’t be setting me up on anymore blind dates.”

  9.

  Lindsey unloaded the bags of groceries in David’s kitchen and Freckles was weaving in between her legs making it impossible to make a move without stepping on her or tripping over her.

  “She likes you,” smiled David.

  “Does she?”

  “Yep. She’d be hiding under my bed otherwise.”

  “I don’t know anything about animals,” Lindsey frowned. “Well, unless they’re dead and butchered and then I’m an encyclopedia!”

  “Don’t go getting any ideas,” David snickered as he pulled the cat from under her feet. He lifted her to his chest and she snuggled into him and purred loudly.

  Lindsey laughed. “No ideas here. She really is quite pretty. Her markings are beautiful.”

  Freckles was a long-haired tortoise shell and was truly a lover not a fighter. David had never thought of himself as a cat owner but now he couldn’t imagine his life without her.

  “She’s my girl,” he grinned and put her on the sofa. She walked around in circles several times and then settled into a ball of fluff and went to sleep. “So, what are we making today?”

  “Meat!” Lindsey grinned. “Big, beautiful ribeyes!”

  David smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

  “And we are going to make mashed cauliflower, instead of potatoes, and sautéed onions and mushrooms in a red wine reduction.”

  “I’m in,” David replied eagerly.

  Lindsey clicked into instructor mode and David learned how to prep the veggies and boil the cauliflower. He grated cheese and Lindsey reminded him how to turn on the oven.

  “Perfect!” Lindsey praised as David showed her the diced onion. “It’s important to have all the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You don’t want burnt bits and raw bits in the same mouthful. Hell, you don’t want burnt or raw pieces at all,” she laughed.

  David was proud of his work as he sautéed the onions in some butter and olive oil on the stove. He was really enjoying cooking. Lindsey was making it seem very straight forward and he appreciated the easy manner she had with him; not bossy or critical, but encouraging and educational.

  “You’re a great teacher,” he said as he added oil to the cast iron skillet heating up.

  “Thanks,” she smiled. “I don’t do this for just anyone you know.”

  “Teach?”

  “Private lessons,” she smiled. “That makes you very special.”

  “Well, thanks,” he smiled. “It’s very nice of you. And we should probably talk about money today too.”

  “Money? Why?”

  “Well, I need to pay you…for your time and the supplies and stuff.”

  Lindsey sighed. “No you don’t. I never asked for that.”

  “I know, but you shouldn’t have to shell out for all this,” he said and waved his arm at all the food in the kitchen.

  “David, I want to share this with you. I want you to be able to cook for yourself, not because I want to be paid, but because I like…I like doing it…teaching you…sharing my passion with you.”

  “Well, I appreciate it. Thank you.”

  “You know, Trudy always said that one of the ways you connected with people was through food.”

  “How’s that?” he asked, genuinely curious.

  “Well…”

  The buzzer sounded and David excused himself and went to talk to his doorman. A few moments later there was a knock on the door. Lindsey bit her bottom lip and sighed. She heard a woman’s voice and some laughing and then they appeared from around the corner.

  “Lindsey? This is Lou. Lou, this is
Lindsey.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Lou smiled and offered her hand.

  Lindsey accepted her hand and said hello.

  “So I got this call and instead of phoning you about it I thought I’d just run over.”

  “Sure! No problem. What’s up?”

  “Alex Roberson called me!”

  “Who’s that?” he asked.

  “Alex Robeson? Only the best stylist in the city…in the country! He does all the celebrity’s hair!”

  “Okay, so what did he want?”

  “He wants to buy some pieces for his new salon… on Rodeo Drive!” she squealed.

  “That’s in Los Angeles.”

  “I know! It’s insane!”

  “That’s awesome!” David grinned and pulled her into a hug. “Just great.”

  Lou pulled back and her expression had sobered.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, Dad said that I may have signed something that says I can’t sell to anyone but the gallery.”

  “No,” David shook his head. “I would never do that to an artist. What you signed is a contract saying that once you gave us the pieces for the opening we would sell them and take a cut. What you do with other work is your own business. But I will tell you that now is the time to get some professional help; an agent and a lawyer would be at the top of the list.”

  “Why do I need a lawyer?” she looked confused.

  “To make sure that all the contracts are in your best interests and to make sure someone is looking out for YOU! I’ll hook you up with my brother-in-law, Rory. He’ll take care of you.”

  “I bless the day I met you David Lathem!” Lou hugged him again. “I’d better get back to Dad and tell him the good news. And I’d better get working. Alex wants ten pieces!”

  “That’s awesome!” David congratulated her again. “I’m so proud of you.”

  Lou all but skipped out of the apartment and David returned to the kitchen and Lindsey.

  “Your pan is smoking,” he nodded at the skillet on the stove.

  “That means it’s ready for the steaks.”

  The perfectly marbled pieces of meat sat on the tray ready to be placed in the hot pan.

  “Go for it,” Lindsey smiled.

  Under her careful guidance, David cooked the steaks a perfect medium rare and then pulled them from the skillet to rest. Then he mashed the cauliflower and added the cheese and greek yogurt and lunch was ready.

  “You plate,” suggested Lindsey, “and I’ll pour the wine.”

  David brought the two loaded plates through to the table and they sat down and looked at the feast before them.

  “You’re doing remarkably well,” she praised. “Let’s see how it tastes.”

  They each dug in and were silent for several minutes as they focused on the food before them.

  “Not bad,” David finally admitted with a hint of a smile.

  “Not bad?” Lindsey challenged. “This is restaurant quality.”

  David grinned and kept eating.

  “So…Lou?” she asked

  “Lou and her father just live a couple of blocks from me,” David explained to Lindsey. “He has been ill and it’s nice that they live close so I can help it if necessary. Not that I’ve had to do much. They’re pretty independent.”

  That really didn’t answer her question. “So how long have you known her?”

  “Not long. She is an amazing artist. Well, you would already know that. You were at the gallery. You bought one of her paintings!”

  “Oh yes,” Lindsey lied. “That I did.”

  David had cleaned his plate. “That was delicious,” he smiled.

  Lindsey stood and helped to clear the table. David loaded the dishwasher and cleaned the cast iron skillet just like he’d been taught. Lindsey gathered up the leftovers and placed them in the fridge.

  “I should get going.”

  “Same time next week?” he asked brightly.

  She nodded and let herself out.

  *****

  The next two Saturdays Lindsey arrived at David’s apartment and made lunch just as planned. The first week they had grilled tuna and risotto and on the second Saturday they made shepherd’s pie. As they were cleaning up the kitchen after devouring the delicious food, David asked Lindsey for help.

  “A couple of Sundays ago, I took a green salad to our family dinner.”

  “Bravo!” exclaimed Lindsey.

  “Yeah, well, it was nothing fancy; just some lettuce and cut up vegetables and I cheated and bought the dressing. But I did make croutons just like you showed me.”

  “Well done! And I’ll let you in on a secret,” she whispered. “Sometimes I buy bottled dressing.”

  “Oh well now I don’t feel nearly as bad,” David grinned. He added the detergent to the dishwasher and closed the door and pushed the buttons. He washed and dried his hands and hung up the tea towel. Turning back to Lindsey he frowned.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “My brothers were giving me a hard time about still not knowing how to cook and I told them I could make anything with a little help. They didn’t believe me. I want to show them that I’m not useless.”

  “Of course you’re not useless,” she encouraged. “What would you like to make?”

  “I want to do dessert…something fancy and decadent…for next Sunday. Do you think…could you…if you don’t mind…”

  “I’d love to help you!” Lindsey smiled. “And I know what will knock their socks off too. And it’s so easy you’ll be able to make it whenever you like!” Lindsey looked around the small kitchen and then frowned. “You don’t have a Kitchenaid.”

  “I’ll get one…before Saturday. You’re awesome!” David threw his arms around Lindsey and squeezed her tightly.

  She closed her eyes and leaned into his solid frame. Drinking in his aftershave, she tentatively placed her hands on the tight muscles of his back. It felt wonderful and she knew instantly that she was in real trouble. David stepped back and was grinning from ear to ear.

  “What if I come with you to do the shopping for the supplies and then after we’re done with the dessert, instead of making lunch I’ll take you to lunch?”

  “That’s sounds great,” she smiled. “Well, I should get going. I’ll text you where and when to meet on Saturday morning.”

  Lindsey picked up her bags and hurried to the front door. As David closed it behind her she ran to the elevator and leaned her forehead against the wall. “I’m in love with him,” she whispered. “And he has no idea.” It was no longer a game. Audrey’s plan was of no use to her anymore. Her heart was involved…and at risk.

  The elevator dinged and Lindsey stepped back. As the doors opened, the first thing she saw was blue hair.

  “Oh hi! Lindsey right?” Lou smiled brightly as she stepped off the lift.

  “Yes, hi.” She attempted a smile.

  “Have a great day!” Lou bounced past Lindsey and headed down the hall, stopping in front of David’s door and knocking loudly. It opened and Lou entered his apartment and then the door banged shut.

  Lindsey stood in front of the elevator doors that had now closed. She reached out her hand and pushed the down arrow for the second time. She was deflated, like someone had knocked all of the air from her body. She had found a kind, decent, intelligent, gorgeous man, and he was already involved with a blue-haired teenager.

  The doors opened and Lindsey stepped inside and pushed the button for the lobby. Traveling down the few floors, she felt the earth move under her feet and wished the lift would just carry her ever downward. The hope and optimism she had felt just five minutes ago had vanished and had left a massive hole, one she didn’t see filling very quickly.

  10.

  “So are you going to tell me what’s troubling you?” Trudy asked as they sat on the sofa of her old home.

  Lindsey looked at the pillow she held on her lap, fingering the fringe.

  “I know something’s up,” Trud
y insisted. “Trevor? Would you mind putting the kettle on for tea?”

  Trevor stood and shuffled his way through to the kitchen, leaving the women in private. Lindsey smiled at the only mother she’d ever had.

  “I met someone and I was pretty sure that he was the one, but it turned out he wasn’t.” Lindsey didn’t look up from the pillow.

  “Oh!” Trudy was surprised. “I didn’t realize you’d been dating.”

  “I haven’t,” she mumbled.

  “What?”

  “I haven’t been dating,” she annunciated every syllable.

  “I’m confused then,” Trudy admitted. “You’ve met the man of your dreams and you haven’t been on a date but you’ve decided he’s not the one?”

  “Well when you put it like that I seem a bit crazy.”

  “Explain it to me.”

  “Well, we’ve become friends…good friends, but it seems pretty obvious that he’s already taken,” Lindsey sighed.

  “I have been on the earth for seventy-four years now and I haven’t been looking for a man for the last fifty of them, but I don’t think things have changed that much. Men still don’t appreciate what’s right in front of them.”

  Trevor walked into the room and handed his wife a cup of tea. “I do,” he smiled and kissed his wife’s cheek.

  Trudy grinned up at her husband. “I don’t include you when I talk about men. You are a gentleman. That’s very different…much better.”

  Trevor handed Lindsey her cup of tea and leaned over and kissed her cheek too. “If he doesn’t appreciate you, move on. He’s not worth it.” And he headed back into the kitchen.

  “I agreed to give him nine cooking lessons and we’ve only had three. That means I have six more weeks of torture.”

  “Torture?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Well then tell him you’re done…that something has come up and you’re unable to complete the weeks. You’ll have to refund some of his money, but...”

  “He’s not paying me.”

  “What? Well then it sounds like it will save you money.”

  “I have enough money. That’s not the problem. And it’s not like I only offered to give him private lessons cuz I wanted to land him. I’ve just, well, I’ve fallen for him…hard.”