There was a pause before Marcus asked, âWhat did he say?â
Thinking for a beat, Melissa replied, âLetâs head to the apartment.
Iâm craving your lamb chops.
â
Marcus, ever perceptive, sensed the underlying tension.
âAre you mad?â
âWhy would you think that?â Melissa countered.
Silence lingered on the line.
Eventually, Marcus spoke softly.
âLetâs talk later, alright? Take it easy on the road.
â
Melissa agreed and ended the call.
She realized her calmness wasnât from lack of anger but rather her growing feelings for Marcus overriding her logic.
Starting the car, she made her way to their old apartment.
Unlocking the door, Marcus stood waiting, a quiet intensity in his gaze.
The scent of lamb chops filled the air.
âIâve got a bottle of fine wine too,â he announced.
As Melissa dropped her bag and bent to change her shoes, she mused, âYour words sound like youâre seeking forgiveness.
â
Marcus pulled her close, his nose brushing hers.
In a husky voice, he teased, âReally? Did Ryan suggest I did something and need to make amends?â
Melissa thought for a while and said, âLetâs cook first!â
Marcus stared at her for a moment, and then gave her a peck on the cheek.
âGo get changed.
Iâll be quick.
â
Melissa came out wearing comfortable home clothes.
Marcus was still in the kitchen.
Her eyes lingered on the wine on the table before she entered.
âWhy donât you just wait in the dining room? Iâll be done here soon.
â
Marcus turned around at the sound of her footsteps.
Melissa leaned against the counter beside him, watching him cook.
Her face was calm, like the still waters of a lake on a day without wind.
In a soft voice, she asked him, âAbout Shawn⦠Did you help him in the very beginning?â
His eyebrows arched at her question.
His movements slowed, a faint smile curving on his lips.
âDid Ryan tell you that? Roger seems unable to keep his mouth shut.
â