“I'm sure that won't be a problem for you,” Carmen said sarcastically, walking India to the door.
“Carmen, it was a pleasure to finally meet you. I was hoping that you and I could become friends.”
“Sure, we can. You'd be fun to hang out with.”
“I'm lots of fun, Carmen. Try me sometime. I just might change your mind.”
“You're something else, India. Bye.” Carmen closed the door and rolled her eyes. “I need another drink.”
EN DAUBE
Marcus rang Carmen's doorbell at exactly seven o'clock. When the door didn't answer he paced back and forth in anticipation. When the door opened with a flourish, Carmen stood before him dressed in a red sculpted single shoulder Donna Karan dress.
“Good evening, Marcus.”
Marcus smiled as he looked at Carmen. “Good evening, Carmen. You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you, Marcus. Please, come in.”
“I didn't know if you wanted me to bring anything, so I brought these,” Marcus said taking his hand from behind his back and handed Carmen a dozen long steam yellow roses.
“Thank you, Marcus. How did you know I loved yellow roses?”
“Good guess.”
“Well, it was an excellent guess. I'd put them in water but I don't think there's a vase in here. But I'll find something to put them in. Have a seat, Marcus. Dinner is almost ready,” Carmen said on her way to the kitchen. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Thank you, Carmen.”
Carmen searched through the cabinets for something to put the roses in, but all she could find was a big pitcher.
“That is going to look so tacky.”
Carmen poured his drink and handed it to Marcus.
“Thank you. This is a nice place, Carmen.”
“Thank you, I'm glad I found it,” she said and returned to the kitchen to finish preparing the meal. She peeked around the corner at Marcus. That is one fine man; she thought and got to her task. Carmen removed the roast from the pot, placed it on the cutting board, and cut it into slices. She got a serving platter from the cabinet and placed the slices in the center. Then she arranged the steamed vegetables and potatoes around the meat. Carmen opened the can of tomato paste and poured it in the pot that she had cooked the roast and vegetables in, and left it to simmer for five minutes. She went into the dining room to light the candle and dimmed the lights. Once her sauce was ready, she poured it over the meat. She took the platter into the dining room and placed in the center of the tab
le. Carmen went back into the kitchen to get the wine and the corkscrew.
“Marcus,” she said standing in the doorway.
“Yes, Carmen.”
“Dinner is served.”
Marcus took another swallow of his drink and joined Carmen in the dining room. Once Marcus was seated, she turned off the living room lights and she sat down. She handed Marcus the bottle of wine and the corkscrew. “Would you do the honors?”
Marcus looked at the bottle, “Côtes du Rhône. Excellent choice, Carmen,” he commented as he opened and poured the wine.
“Are you familiar with this vintage?” Carmen said in a snotty voice.
“Isn't everybody? It's a French wine made from Grenache, Moutvèdre and Carignan grapes.”
“I'm impressed, Mr. Douglas.”
“Thank you, Ms. Taylor. I'm impressed by this meal. It all looks delicious,” Marcus observed as he raised his glass. “To my radiant and charming hostess.”