The theme “Special Meal” did not initially appeal to me, as most of my meals are consumed on my feet, on the go and on my own. So, a flight of complete fantasy was required…at last – I was trying to write a happy ending!
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SPECIAL MEAL
He had been patient and she had been impressed. “Definitely no intimacy until friendship established”, she had put on the app, inviting a lot of horrible comments. Colin, however, had accepted the condition and they had dated the old-fashioned way for two months: films, restaurants, even a rugby match. They had some things in common and could have meaningful conversations as well as a laugh together. Now Valentine’s Day loomed, and Shelley felt that she could now allow Colin to get closer. She agreed to go to his flat, packing a bottle of wine and her toothbrush. He had promised to prepare a special meal. What was that going to be like?
The table was decorated beautifully, with matching red napkins, candles and balloons. Colin was very secretive about his cooking, but he assured her that it was nearly ready. She poured some wine. He emerged from the kitchen with an oval plate covered with a stainless-steel cloche, and placed it before her with a bow. He lifted the cloche slowly. Shelley smelt the chips before she saw them, piled high next to some thickly sliced buttered bread. She looked at Colin quizzically. He beamed back at her. “Don’t you remember telling me that your guilty pleasure is chip butties?” He was keen to show how attentively he had listened to her.
“I don’t remember. But I think that it is very special that you did.” She took his face tenderly in her hands and kissed him hungrily.
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First published in 2024 in FLACK by Marlow Writers’ Society
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Photo by Sandra Meller. Delicious chips at The Clubhouse, West Bexington, Dorset, UK.
