Monday morning arrived, and
with it Trent’s
first day back to work after his vacation. He arrived empty-handed, much to
Jennie’s feigned disgust until he pointed out that his things hadn’t arrived
from France
yet. He spent most of the day playing catch-up on everything that had happened
since he left. That included checking out the new addition to the hotel being built
on the property next door. Property which had belonged to a now defunct fast-food
restaurant. He was pleasantly surprised to discover everything had run smoothly
during his absence. Thanks to my good
planning, and delegating who was to do what. He mentally patted himself on
the back.
He arrived home soon after
dark to find Rory bustling around in the kitchen. Wonderful aromas from
something spicy set him salivating. Once they’d kissed, Trent went to the stove, lifting the lid on
the pot sitting there.
“Jambalaya! One of my
favorites.”
“I know,” Rory said with a
wide grin. “I might not be able to eat it, but I sure had fun making it. And
it’s hot, as in spicy, just the way I remembered you liked it.”
“You are too much. Thank
you.” Trent got
a bowl, setting it on a plate, and filled it from the pot. Then he frowned. “I
thought you said you could eat too, if you wanted to.”
“I can, but…” Rory shrugged.
“But?”
“It just makes me remember
when I was human so I’m better off passing on it. Does that make sense?”
“Yes it does.” Trent hugged him tightly.
“And in case you have any doubts, other than your off-beat dietary needs, and
the strength and speed things, and being able to see in the dark, and what have
you, I think of you as totally human.”
Rory chuckled. “That’s quite
a list. Still, thank you for saying so.”
“Where’s Beau,” Trent asked, suddenly
realizing the dog hadn’t greeted him at the door.
“We went for a long walk
just after sundown. I think I wore him out. Last seen he was sound asleep on
our bed.”
“You were well covered I
hope.” He knew, thanks to Emily’s blood and age, Rory could tolerate minimal
sunlight if he dressed carefully.
“Of course.” Rory chuckled.
“Drew a few looks given the temperature but we had fun so it was worth it.
As if talking about him brought
him to them, Beau came bounding into the kitchen, skidding to a stop in front
of Trent. Trent laughed, bending to
pet him. “How on earth did you wear out this bundle of energy?” he asked Rory.
“We ran home down the alleys
where no one could see us.”
“Oh boy. Poor Beau,” Trent said, petting him
again. The dog didn’t seem to agree. He looked up at Rory with adoration.
Shaking his head, Trent
sat down to eat.
When Rory joined him,
watching as he took the first bite, and then a second one, Trent dipped the
spoon into what was some of the best Jambalaya he’d ever tasted, then held it
out to Rory. “You did wonders with this. See for yourself.”
Hesitantly Rory leaned
forward, sucking the spoon empty. “It is good,” he agreed.
“Better than good. It’s
great. Get some for yourself. And before you protest I meant what I said, you
are human in all the ways that really count. If eating reminds you of that, is
it such a bad thing?”
“I—suppose not.” Standing,
Rory went to the cupboard to get a small bowl, filled it halfway from the pot
on the stove and came back.
“A spoon might be a good
idea,” Trent
pointed out, chuckling.
Rory grinned. “I can’t lap
it up the way Beau does?” he asked, going back to get a spoon.
“You could, but…” Trent watched as he ate,
noting the look of contentment on his face. “From now on, you’re on a solid as
well as a liquid diet. Okay.”
“Yeah, okay.” Rory smiled
happily. “I can deal with that—now.”
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