Even still, James had only really enjoyed a handful of dishes. And he definitely didn’t do spicy, which had always been a bummer.
If the food didn’t leave your tongue burning a bit, was it even really worth it?
Eric groaned. “I’m not going to lie. I love Korean food, and the hotter the better. Spicy pork bulgogi sounds amazing. Way better than takeout. Are you sure you have enough?”
Relief had her laughing. “I have plenty. My mom sends enough food to feed a small army. I think she forgets it’s just me in the apartment.”
“That’s sweet. Do you have siblings she foists food off on too?”
“I’m an only child.” Her lips twisted. “Despite how much I begged for a sibling when I was little, it never happened. You?”
“Same, actually. It’s just me.”
She directed Eric’s vehicle into her parking spot at the apartment, and then climbed out of the car. Her thoughts drifted to her own vehicle back at the store.
It was going to be a hassle to get it, but at least this way she felt safe. She knew Mr. Wentworth had been watching as they’d driven away together. This should quell any temptation he had to ask her out again.
A shudder slid through her and frustration made her stomach twist.
Hopefully, things wouldn’t get really weird at school with him when she saw him again.
Logic told her it wouldn’t, but her gut wasn’t so sure.
By the time they were inside her apartment, she was more than ready for that hard cider.
“Cider from the bottle, or do you want to use glasses?”
He’d read her mind. She led him into the kitchen.
“If you don’t mind using glasses, that’d be great. They’re over in the cupboard to the left.” She grabbed her plastic bin full of rice. “I’ll make some rice and heat up the pork.”
“Sounds good.”
She snuck glances as he went to work opening and pouring their cider. He glanced around her place, checking it out.
“I like your décor.”
“Oh, thank you.” A frisson of pleasure ran through her at his comment.
She loved playing with color and patterns, and it showed, from the pink shaggy throw rug to the abstract colorful paintings on the wall.
Even her white plush couch was brightened with turquoise and pink throw pillows.
“It’s fun. Cheerful.”
“I think so too. It makes me happy and relaxes me after spending all day under fluorescent lights.”
He grimaced and handed her a glass of hard cider. “Kind of like prison, but instead of inmates, you have small, adorable humans.”
“Who love candy and fart jokes?” She laughed. “Exactly.”
“What kind of shows do you like?” Eric made his way to the couch and grabbed the remote on the table next to it. “I can start surfing.”
“Anything that has some humor.” She hesitated as she washed the rice. “Not too violent. I have a weak stomach.”
“Chainsaw Massacre then?”
Another laugh burst from her and she grew more at ease. “Maybe we could finish with that one. Start with Cabin in the Woods or something?”