Page 45 of Tiers of Joy

“Not usually, what’s the point of holding back? People can't accuse me of being two faced then, can they? If I air all of my thoughts I'm not hiding anything.” I smile.

“Very true.” Gaige smiles and finishes loading the dishwasher.

We move into the lounge.

“Wait! Are you ready for pudding?” I ask.

“Yes I think I can squeeze it in.” He says patting his belly.

I smile and skip back to the kitchen. I come back in with a Victoria sponge cake.

I place it down on the coffee table.

“Viola! It’s a classic Victoria sponge cake. Made with fresh cream and strawberries with homemade strawberry jam. We wouldn’t normally have this for pudding but I thought why not show you a bit of England.” I shrug as I cut him a piece.

I stand and just watch him take that first bite. He moans.

“Good?” I ask.

“So good.” He answers. I clap and cut myself a piece.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you this happy about something before.” He states.

I smile.

“I love baking, it’s like my therapy. Truthfully I haven't baked since before Jay got ill.”

“It has been that long?” He asks.

“Yep, it has been eighteen months and seven days since I've baked.” I state.

“We’re still talking about actual baking right? You're not using it as a euphemism?” He smirks.

“Ha-ha, actually it’s the same for both. Last time I baked chocolate orange muffins, Jay’s favourite, it got a little messy.” I smile at the memory.

Gaige reaches over and wipes some cream off of my face with his thumb. Then he places it in his mouth and sucks it clean off.

I feel my breath hitch and I lick my bottom lip, watching him. His eyes become heated. I look away and cough.

“Oh it’s a little hot in here isn’t it? I'm just going to grab a cold drink.” I say jumping up from the sofa and walking into the kitchen.

“God Esme! Get a grip. You’re stuck here for I don’t know how long. Keep your damn libido in check.” I say to myself.

“Err, thanks for the cake Esme.” Gaige says, making me jump.

“Shit.” I gasp and spin around.

Gaige smiles.

“Not funny! I could have had a heart attack or worse, pissed myself!” I state, my hand over my erratic heart.

“Pissing yourself is worse than a heart attack?” He asks.

“Yes, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you have a heart attack but if you piss yourself that’s pure embarrassment. Don’t even get me started on if you were to shit your pants.” I state seriously.

Gaige bursts out laughing and shakes his head.

“I love how your mind works Esme.” He says walking off.

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