Page 25 of Indescribable Love
He wasn’t ready to get out of the shower just yet, so he focused on some of the music he was working on as the hot water ran over him.
We're speeding down the highway, the wind in our hair, in this crazy adventure, I know you'll be there. We'll write our story in the neon lights, this new love we've found, it's taking new heights.
And still he envisioned Juliette in a car beside him—laughing and beautiful. This was definitely going to be a problem. So, he turned the water to cold and quickly finished washing off and jumped out in record time. Wrapping a towel around his waist, Simon grabbed some clean clothes from the massive closet before standing in front of the vanity and staring at his reflection. He knew he could use a shave, but wasn’t in the mood to do it. His hair was a little long, but he wasn’t going to do anything about that either. Basically, he was kind of digging this scruffy look and with the music he was creating, he felt like maybe this could be his new image.
Scratching his jaw, he grinned. “I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of opinions on that, but…they’ll all have to deal with it.”
Five minutes later, he walked into the kitchen. Juliette was talking about her grandfather’s garden and how he grew the tomatoes they used for their sauce and how dismayed he was because she did not have a green thumb.
“The man can grow anything and I only have artificial plants in my apartment because I kill everything,” she joked before taking a sip of her wine.
“I’d love to have a garden,” Celia said as she handed Simon a glass. “But our yard is small, and Alex has a massive jungle gym back there. I learned the hard way that the two don’t go together.”
“Well, that and our neighbor’s dog kept getting over the fence and ate a bunch of the cucumber plants,” Nikki added. “It looked like a crime scene when he was done.”
Sitting on one of the stools at the island, Simon was content to simply sit back and listen, but figured he could contribute a little to the conversation.
“My mother has a garden that she claims is her refuge,” he said. “She’s always got a ton of tomato plants, pepper plants, cucumbers, zucchini…and when it’s a particularly good season, she always sends pictures to me, Jax, and Noah.” Pausing, he laughed. “I’m not sure what we’re supposed to say other than how they look great, but she’s always so proud.”
“Living in the city, I don’t have any green space,” Juliette explained. “Not that it would help, but I know my grandfather would probably come and visit more and try to make a garden for me. So maybe living in the city isn’t such a bad thing.” Giggling, she picked up an olive off of the small charcuterie board they’d made and popped it into her mouth.
“Mommy?” Alex whined. “My tummy hurts.”
Celia was stirring the pasta, so Nikki was instantly at his side, feeling his head. “What’s going on, baby?” she asked softly.
“I ate too many things on the shark board,” he said before breaking out in tears. “It hurts!”
“Sorry, guys!” Nikki called out as she scooped him up in her arms. “Gotta go!”
Juliette opened the door for her and quickly stepped aside. Then she looked over at Celia. “Um…”
Draining the pasta, Celia was the picture of calmness. “I wasn’t paying close attention to how much he was eating,” she said wearily. “He hasn’t learned about moderation yet.” Shaking the colander, she looked over her shoulder at the two of them. “Would you be offended if I made a couple of plates for me and Nik and took them over to the guest house? I don’t think we’ll be back.”
Simon knew he suddenly felt a wave of panic, and when he glanced over at Juliette, he could tell she was feeling it too. How were they supposed to have dinner alone? He was already apprehensive about seeing her tonight, and Nikki told him Juliette felt the same way, so…
Maybe I should fake a stomachache…
Five minutes later, Celia had two plates made and covered, placed them in an insulated bag, and smiled. “This definitely wasn’t how I saw the night going. I was looking forward to hanging out and hearing more about the new music, Simon.”
“The new music. Right, uh…”
“Tomorrow. I’m sure Alex will be fine in the morning.” With a grin, she opened the back door. “And I left the whole cake for you guys,” she said with a wave. “See you tomorrow! Bon appétit!”
The door shutting sounded as loud as a gunshot, and neither moved for a long moment. Ultimately, this was going to be awkward no matter what, so he opted to just go with it. It couldn’t possibly be any worse than their discussion yesterday.
“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll make our plates,” Juliette said, beating him to the punch.
“Oh, um…can I help with anything?”
Shaking her head, she smiled, but he could tell it was forced. “Celia pretty much has everything set up here for me, so it’s just a matter of putting the food on the plates. But…maybe top off our wine?”
“On it.” Thankful for something to do, he refreshed their glasses and then sat down. The table could seat ten and it felt silly for it to just be the two of them here. There was a smaller table on the opposite side of the kitchen, and it just seemed more logical for them to eat at that rather than the bigger one. Taking their glasses, he walked across the room. “Why don’t we eat at the smaller table? You know, since it’s just us.”
“Good idea,” she said, still smiling the forced smile.
Simon went back and grabbed the napkins, silverware, and bowl of grated cheese and brought it over to the new table. Then he held out a chair for Juliette so she could sit.
“Thank you.”