Page 57 of Perfect Three

“I do.I was hoping you’d suggest it.”She cocked her head and grinned at him.“I was going to ask for it if you decided to order me something else.”

Sebastian laughed and Jack tapped her hand.“Good for you, Lucy.Don’t let him scare you into thinking you have to do what he asks.”

Sebastian looked at Jack thoughtfully.

Jack said ‘oops’, but Sebastian grinned at him.“I’ll let that go because Lucy has to understand I’m not an ogre.”

“Oh, gee thanks, Seb.”

“Don’t push it, lover!”He looked at Jack with an expression that promised next time he wouldn’t ignore it.“He’s right though, Lucy.I don’t want you to think you have to do anything.This is all about learning about each other, compromise by us all, and most importantly discussion.”

“I think I understand.But you have to realize I’m just not good at talking about intimate things.Food’s one thing, but emotional stuff is another.It’s way more difficult.”

Sebastian covered her small hand with his long, large one.“We do understand that, Lucy, but I think once you get over your initial hesitance, you’ll find it easier to open up.”He went on.“So tell us, did you get your roofing quote?”

“Oh.Yes, I did.It was rather enlightening because this last contractor told me most of the roof was fine.It was only where the iron is and some of the surrounding areas that need replacing.Plus a few spots here and there.I also discovered slate roofing lasts around four hundred years!None of the other contractors told me that.”

“Probably trying to get more money out of you, Lucy.I bet they figured you wouldn’t know and wouldn’t bother checking.Have you looked into the credentials of this latest one?”

“I did a bit of searching before I contacted all of them.This latest quote is from Up Top Roofing, and they had good testimonials on their website.”

“Up Top?”Both Sebastian and Jack spoke at the same time then began laughing.

Lucy looked at them in surprise until Jack said, “That’s who did the coach house.We were really impressed with them.Very honest and very fast.Reasonable price, too.”

“Wow, that’s funny, it’s exactly what I thought, too.Well, I’d virtually decided to go with them.Just need to ring and confirm all the details.Make sure I’ve got it right.”

“Lucy, if you want Jack or me to look over the quotes or contracts—you know, as another pair of eyes—just say the word.”

“Thanks, Sebastian.I think it’ll be okay, but if I run into problems, I’ll be screaming down the phone for help.”

“That’s good.You honestly don’t have to do everything by yourself.We’d love to be there to offer support, especially as we’ve been through the whole roofing saga.”

“Thank you.I do appreciate it.”

Lucy felt all warm inside at Sebastian’s words.Despite what Jack had said earlier, those words more than anything had made her feel like they were both hoping this was long term, permanent.

Jack looked at her then Sebastian.“Lucy’s been worried this might be just a casual diversion for us.”

“I hope you told her we don’t do casual.I thought we’d made that clear on Saturday.”He smiled at Lucy.

Embarrassed, she managed to say, “Like I told Jack, I was on a kind of information overload the other day.Some things got a bit lost.”

Sebastian grinned then said, “Honestly, Lucy, we’ve never gone into anything thinking it was just for a five-minute bit of fun.We’ve always hoped it would develop into a permanent relationship.”

She blushed and was saved from saying anything else by the arrival of their food.A sizzling pot of chicken was placed in the center of the table then another platter of steamed fresh vegetables along with a bowl of mixed wild mushrooms in butter.They were given a plate each and wished ‘Bon Appétit’.

“Gee, this looks so yummy!”Before Lucy could serve herself, Sebastian began piling food onto her plate.“I can do that!”she protested.

“You can, but you don’t have to.I’d like to look after you, sweetheart, if I may,” Sebastian said as he piled another spoonful of the chicken onto her plate before ladling some onto Jack’s.

Just then, Brad came out, pulled out the remaining chair, then sat.He had a wooden board with a steaming artisan bread loaf and a dish of butter on it.“How is it, Boss?”

“Smells good.”

“Want some bread?Just lifted out a few sourdough loaves.Nice and crispy on the outside, and warm and soft inside.”

“Thanks, Brad.Smells delicious.Lucy’s a bread fiend.”

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