Page 22 of Pillow Talk
When she got back, Sen had already laid the boxes of food on a placemat she didn’t even know she had.
They were silent and as they dished their food.
‘Thanks for supper … again,’ Shona said.
‘Don’t mention it. Now please tell me why,’ said Sen.
‘I didn’t always live here. When I came back to Rally after college, I found a place in Abbot Street. My parents wanted me to move into the apartment above the garage but I couldn’t imagine anything more painful. I was wrong. Abbot Street was worse. I lived in a block of flats that the landlord rented out to only young tenants.’
‘The beige building on Abbot Street?’ Sen asked.
She nodded.
‘Young tenants were too busy partying to complain about the lack of hot water, the torn wallpaper and the noise. I couldn’t even hear myself think. Loud music, shouting. It was too much. And on top of that, I had a neighbour who baked me weird-shaped cakes. Every day! I would come home to find a mini cake box on my doorstep. Ralph thought I didn’t know that he would watch me pick up the cake box from his hiding spot around the corner…’
‘Weird Ralph?’ Sen asked.
Shona chuckled.
‘Yes, Weird Ralph. I lived there for four years, saved for my…’
She stopped and looked away.
Do not cry in front of Sen!
Sen didn’t probe. His presence was actually comforting. Shona blinked away the tears and turned back to him.
‘I saved. The elderly couple who own the flat next door owned this one too. When they heard I’d put in an offer, they reduced the price. The wife, Kamini, remembered that I’d gone out of my way to help when a sewing emergency came up on her granddaughter’s wedding day.
‘I bought this place and, at first, I had time to cook delicious meals, even if it was for one, or when Anni came over. I loved curling up under a blanket on the couch to watch romantic comedies. But then I just got busy. I wish I could tell you more, but for now let’s stick with I just got too busy to care about the dining room.’
Sen simply sat back and looked at her. He really looked at her.
‘Okay.’
‘So, this is why they call you a cut-throat lawyer?’
‘I don’t understand what you mean,’ he said.
‘You got me to spill my life story and now you’re making mewant to tell you more.’
‘Sho, I’m not making you say anything. I’m just sitting here eating and wondering if you’re wearing a bra under that T-shirt.’
Shona smiled. He grinned and turned his attention to his meal.
‘The shop…I got too busy. I felt like I was running it alone. And on the side, I was working on designs that made me happy. You moved back two years ago, Sen, but we only really caught up shortly before the wedding. I didn’t even have time to go out for girls’ night with Anni or even a date,’ Shona explained.
He didn’t say anything.
‘I didn’t clear out this room for you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I did it for me…because I could see myself having a meal here with you,’ Shona said.
She looked up from her plate. Sen’s eyes shone under the light from the chandelier.
‘What the hell, Sen. How are you getting me to spill my guts?’
He chuckled. ‘Sho, I didn’t do anything. But I’m honoured that you chose to share this with me.’
Shona nodded. ‘Are there fortune cookies in the bag?’
