Ask Me (Mess with Me 2)

When the car rolls to a smooth stop at a red light, the people in the next car do a double take.

“Why are people staring? They can’t see us, can they?” Casey squints as she peers though the tinted window.

“It’s the car. Bugattis always draw attention. I decided to have it shipped since I’ll be here for a while.”

“Bugatti. Sounds fancy.”

I decide not to tell her that a Bugatti Veyron is about two million dollars worth of fancy. Philippe will definitely get a kick out of this conversation later.

“Anyway, all I know about cars is they’re expensive to buy, expensive to fuel and expensive to park. I was excited when I learned that most city dwellers don’t bother with them. I left my old car back at home. It’s so old it probably wouldn’t have survived the trip anyway.” Casey leans her head back against the headrest with a weary sigh.

“Tired?”

“A little.”

“We can stay in. I’ll get something delivered. What do you feel like for dinner? Italian, French or maybe Chinese?”

“I can’t imagine you eating moo shu pork from a little white box.” Casey grins over at me. “Now I’m tempted to ask for Chinese just to see what you would order.”

“I like all types of food.” I pull into the underground parking of my building and punch in the security code to gain access. After we park, I round the car to open her door. She takes my hand and allows me to pull her to her feet.

“I’m actually curious about what you eat most of the time. Do you even know how to cook?”

I take the teasing in stride. If I hadn’t had my father’s influence, there’s a good chance that I’d be as spoiled and sheltered as she probably assumes.

“Prepare to be amazed, signorina. Tonight I am going to prepare my signature dish. I only prepare it for treasured guests a few times a year so you are in for a treat.”

Casey plays along, squeezing my arm as we ride the elevator to the top floor. “Do tell. I can’t wait to be amazed.”

When the elevator doors open, I gesture for her to walk out first. “Go ahead and get comfortable. The remote is next to the couch if you want to watch some TV.”

Casey slips off her shoes, leaving them next to the front door. “I’ll hang out with you in the kitchen. It’s not often I get to see a master chef at work.”

I get ready to cook. First, I wash my hands and then tuck a dish towel in the front of my slacks to protect them from splatter. Then, I pour Casey a glass of wine and another for myself. She sits at the counter in the kitchen watching as I arrange my ingredients. I set out bread, cheese, butter and a few spices. Then I reach below to retrieve a cast iron skillet.

I gesture at it all with a flourish. “Get ready for the best damn grilled cheese you’ve ever had!”

Casey giggles as I spread butter across the pieces of bread before layering them with thick slices of smoked cheddar cheese. “Grilled cheese. That’s your masterpiece? Well, I have to admit you really look like you know what you’re doing. I’m impressed.”

I place the first sandwich

in the skillet with a generous dollop of butter.

“My father came from humble beginnings. But unlike a lot of people we know, he never tried to hide it. He refused to let anyone treat it as a weakness. Instead he made it a strength. If I’m even half the man he is, I’ll be happy. He passed away five years ago and there are days I still pick up the phone to call him before I remember.”

She smiles sadly. “I’m so sorry. I bet he was so proud of you.”

“He was. And of my younger brother Philippe. My mother is proud of us as well, I know she is, just has a different way of showing that.”

“Oh yeah, your mother. We met.”

Her words make me jerk and my elbow hits my glass of wine sending it flying. The sound of the glass shattering seems so loud. For a moment I can’t move. Can’t breathe.

“Andre? Are you okay?”

I can hear her calling my name but I can’t respond. Then in a sudden rush, I’m back. I move forward on shaky feet and turn off the burner with a flick of my wrist.

“Sorry about that.” My hands are shaking as I go to the pantry and retrieve a broom. Embarrassed by my extreme reaction, I wonder how I’ll explain this to Casey. “I’m probably not good company right now. Maybe we can get a rain check on dinner?”