The Sweet Tooth

by Margot Larson

  “Oh, would you rather have a beer? I have some in the fridge.”

  “No, it’s okay. This is fine. I’m glad it will go well with dinner.”

  “Speaking of,” Mathieu said rising from his chair, “I should get back to making it before we starve.”

  “It smells delicious. Everything you make smells great,” Solomon caught himself and blushed. “That wasn’t too creepy, was it?”

  “Um…no…not at all,” Mathieu said rolling his eyes dramatically as he put the pasta into the boiling water and stirring. He had his back to the dining area but Solomon could tell by the tone of his voice that he was smiling. “Actually, I have to confess something,” it was his turn to blush, “I saw you, a couple of times, leaning over the rail and sniffing the air.”

  Solomon hung his head, “Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed.”

  “Please don’t be,” Mathieu sounded distressed, “I’m sorry I mentioned it. I hope it’s not going to ruin the evening.”

  “No, hey, it’s okay. I’m just embarrassed at being caught and you should be flattered. You’re food smells delicious. You’re previous neighbor didn’t chat with you about the aromas?”

  “I never saw her on the balcony. We didn’t speak when we did see each other. She didn’t give off a very friendly vibe.”

  “Her loss.” Solomon raised his wine glass in a toast to his host.

  Again Mathieu blushed.

  “If you saw me why didn’t you come out? I mean, not that you had too. For all you knew I was some crazy person leaning over the rail and sniffing at your door.”

  They burst into laughter at the mental pictures they both got of Solomon leaning and sniffing then they were startled as the timer for the pasta dinged. Mathieu drained the water, mixed the pasta into the sauce, dumped the mix into a serving bowl and brought it to the table along with a smaller serving bowl full of spinach. He served each of them a generous portion returning to his seat. Solomon inhaled the aroma, “I don’t have to taste it to tell it’s going to be fantastic.”

  “Of course it is. I made it.” Mathieu smiled and winked.

  They ate and talked; Solomon about his job at an investment group, college and meeting Adrian and Anders; Mathieu about working from home as an illustrator and researcher for a publishing company, his family and their love of cooking. Dessert was home-made strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and real hand-whipped heavy cream. Mathieu apologized that the dessert didn’t go with the Italian meal but explained that he had a craving for strawberries so he passed up on making cheesecake. Solomon teased, “I’ll forgive you this time but next time….well, just watch yourself.” The two men grinned and this time it was Solomon’s turn to wink.

  When they were done Solomon helped Mathieu bring the dishes into the kitchen. Mathieu took out a small glass container and filled it with some of the remaining Bolognese, “for lunch tomorrow,” he said holding it out to Solomon.

  “Thank you,” Solomon said taking the container, “So, you never said why you didn’t come out onto the balcony when you first noticed my sniffing.”

  “Well,” Mathieu led them into the living room to sit on the sofa, “It’s because I…um…really don’t like going out there.” He took a deep breath inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth, “It’s not because I don’t want to. I’m not afraid of heights or anything like that. Looking out the windows doesn’t bother me.” He took another deep breath, “It has to do with it being so open. It’s just the short glass and the railing to keep you from falling, I get kinda nervous and dizzy every time I go out there, so, I don’t.” He finished with another deep breath.

  Solomon wanted to pull the man across from him into a hug but refrained. He asked, “Like vertigo?”

  “No, more than that.” Mathieu frowned and looked away.

  Solomon was startled by Mathieu’s confession, “Oh, I’m sorry. So, how did you catch me at your door?”

  “Well, that was easy. Obviously, you had to come home before going onto the balcony so I listened for your footsteps on the stairs. The other night I almost missed you because of the grilling. I couldn’t let the steak stay on the grill too long or it would be too dry but the timing was perfect. Just as I took it off I heard you on the stairs. I didn’t know that you were at my door though. That surprised me, I think, as much as it did you. Why were you at my door? Were you going to knock?”

  Solomon blushed deep red and said, “This seems to be turning into a night of confessions. I usually stop at the door and listen to see if you’re in your kitchen. I can hear if you’re moving pots and pans or chopping or using your food processor. If I heard you in the kitchen I would go onto my balcony. I think you now know every embarrassing thing that I’ve done over the last six months.”

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s great. You’re my first fan. I won’t even charge you if you ask for my autograph,” he winked. “Have you given any thought to the cooking lessons?”

  “Actually, yes, I have thought about it. I’d like to do it if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”

  “I wouldn’t have offered if it was too much trouble. I just would’ve invited you over every night. If I teach you how to cook for yourself you won’t have to come over at all. Wait, I didn’t think of that until right now. I may have to rescind the offer.” Mathieu laughed, a sweet, infectious laugh and Solomon had no choice but to do the same.

  They exchanged phone numbers (just in case) and made a date for lunch that Saturday for the first lesson. “What would you like to learn first? I’ll see if I have everything or if I have to order some things.”

  “Well, hmm,” Solomon tried to think of something easy so Mathieu wouldn’t be too inconvenienced. He thought of steak but they both had had steak a few days ago and was that easy anyway? Anders and Mathieu would probably say no.

  “How about I think of something?” Mathieu volunteered when he could see Solomon getting a little flustered.

  Solomon was relieved but said, “Are you sure? I don’t want to be too much of a bother.”

  “Solomon, I have to eat too. It’s no bother making lunch for two rather than one.”

  Solomon agreed. They talked a little more until Solomon caught Mathieu yawning. “I think it’s time for me to go home. I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “How about dinner tomorrow?” Mathieu asked hopefully.

  “I wish I could. I’m working late again tomorrow. A guy in the office is on vacation and we’re taking turns covering for him but that means we have to work late to keep up with our own accounts.”

  “So dedicated. It’s admirable.” Mathieu stood and led Solomon to the door. Solomon held out his hand, Mathieu took it and pulled him into a light hug. “Thank you for coming to dinner,” he whispered into Solomon’s ear.

  “Thank you for inviting me,” Solomon whispered back as he leaned in and kissed Mathieu on the cheek.

  CHAPTER 3

  Lunch turned out to be more of a brunch and the lesson turned out to be a little less than that as Mathieu wanted Solomon to become more comfortable in the kitchen. He had Solomon act as his sous chef, measuring and chopping, mixing and stirring. Mathieu showed Solomon how to hold a knife properly, thumb and index finger gripping the blade close to the handle, and chop using a back and forth rocking motion while holding the food securely on the counter with the other hand, finger tips curled under. Solomon was sure he was going to lose a finger.

  Solomon chopped mushrooms, green peppers and a tomato, shredded part of a block of cheddar cheese using a cheese grater, broke eggs into a bowl and only got a little of the shell in with, which Mathieu removed with a spoon. Mathieu had him grate some potatoes and then put them into a potato ricer showing him how to squeeze just hard enough to let out most of the moisture. The brunette heated some oil in a frying pan, dumped in the shredded potatoes and added some salt and pepper. In another frying pan he melted some butter and had Solomon pour in the lightly beaten eggs. As the eggs started to set
the chopped vegetables and cheese were added. Mathieu carefully flipped the omelet over to briefly set the eggs on the second side before they were plated. He showed Solomon a different way for the second omelet. He had Solomon break the eggs into a bowl, add the veggies right away and then pour the mix into the buttered pan. When the eggs set Mathieu flipped them to cook the second side.

  Solomon still had all his fingers as the two sat down to eat their veggie omelets with homemade hash browned potatoes and toast (Solomon made the toast all by himself!). The coffee was a Hawaiian blend that Solomon hadn’t had before. He put the empty coffee mug down with a satisfied smile, “That was the best coffee I ever had in someone’s home. I’m never going to one of those chain coffee places again.”

  Mathieu got up from the table and took their plates into the kitchen. He returned with a bag of the Hawaiian coffee and handed it to Solomon, “they’re whole beans so you’ll have to get a grinder if you don’t already have one.”

  “Oh, wow. I can’t accept this. It must be expensive. Besides I’ll bet you there’s no way I can get it to taste as good as yours.”

  “Nonsense. Get a grinder and I’ll show you what to do. What kind of coffee maker do you have?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve had it forever. I usually stop and get coffee on the way to work. Do you have any plans for this afternoon? We can go shopping for a new one.”

  “You want to go out?” Mathieu asked cautiously.

  “Yeah. Why not? We can get me a decent coffee maker and maybe some ice-cream or something, maybe take a walk in the park. Would you like that?” Solomon went over and looked out of the kitchen sliders, “it looks like a beautiful day.” Solomon pivoted around and looked at the Irishman. Mathieu was looking straight ahead of him; his eyes wide, his hands gripping the sides of the table. Solomon stepped forward until he was back at the dining table and asked, “You okay there?”

  Mathieu felt dizzy, his heart rate climbed and he gasped for breath. The Irishman pushed back his chair and headed for the bathroom as a nauseous feeling rose from his stomach. He didn’t get too far as he fainted into Solomon’s arms.

  When Mathieu woke up he was on the dining room floor with his head in Solomon’s lap; the blonde wiping his face with a tea towel. He was sweating, exhausted and embarrassed, “oh, God. I’m so sorry.” He tried to get up but Solomon put a hand on his chest to keep him in place.

  “Relax. Everything is fine. You’re okay. Take some deep breaths.” Solomon continued to wipe the Irishman’s face with the tea towel.

  “I’m so sorry,” Mathieu repeated.

  “There’s no reason to be sorry. How are you feeling now? Think you can sit up?”

  “Yeah. I’m so embarrassed. That was the last thing I wanted you to see.”

  Solomon removed his hand from Mathieu’s chest and let the brunette up to a sitting position then adjusted himself so he was supporting Mathieu’s back on his chest. “Let me help you to the bedroom.” He could tell that his new friend was not feeling one hundred percent yet.

  “Can we sit here for a few more minutes?” Mathieu leaned most of his weight onto Solomon.

  “Sure, no pressure. Do you want to talk about it?” The concern was evident in Solomon’s voice.

  Mathieu shook his head, loose curls swaying back and forth in front of his eyes. They sat on the floor until Mathieu said, “I need to lie down or I’ll fall asleep right here.” He shifted his weight forward Solomon put his arms around the brunette’s chest and lifted him off the floor. Mathieu swayed and Solomon tightened his hold across Mathieu’s chest.

  Solomon got Mathieu situated in the bedroom, “is there anything you need, anything I can get you?”

  “No, I just need to rest for a while. I’m so sorry I ruined everything.”

  “Stop it. You didn’t ruin anything. I’ll let you rest now. Can I call you later?”

  “You don’t have to check up on me. It isn’t the first time this has happened.” Mathieu was a little defensive because of his embarrassment.

  “Hey, don’t. Okay? We’re friends, right? I’ll call you later. If you answer, okay. If you don’t, okay. I’ll understand. But I hope you will. I’d really like to do this again.” Solomon took Mathieu’s hand and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss.

  “Except for the whole me passing out thing, right?” Mathieu’s sense of humor was returning but he was still fatigued.

  “Except for that.” Reluctantly Solomon let go of Mathieu’s hand. “I’ll see myself out,” and with a wink he was gone.

  Mathieu waited until he heard the front door click before he closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep.

  ***

  Solomon called Mathieu a little after six that evening. At first he thought the Irishman wasn’t going to answer but after the fourth ring he heard a soft ‘hello’. “Hey. Do you want to come over for dinner?”

  “Um…what? Who is this?” Mathieu had thought he saw Solomon’s name flash up on the screen when he looked at the phone.

  “Silly. It’s me, Solomon. So, how about dinner?”

  “But you can’t cook and I don’t mean to sound like a snob but I don’t do microwave meals,” despite not wanting to sound like a snob he kind of did.

  Solomon replied with mock hurt in his voice, “I am really offended that you think so little of me.” He paused for a second, “seriously though, I told you my friend Anders owns a restaurant. I would order from there and go pick it up. What do you say? Let me do this to thank you for dinner the other day and the lesson.”

  Mathieu was still contemplating the offer when there was a knock at his door, “hold on. Somebody’s at my door.”

  “I know. It’s me.”

  Mathieu, still holding the phone to his ear, looked through the peep hole. Solomon saw the shadow cover the peep hole, smiled broadly and held up two shopping bags; Anders’ Steakhouse printed on the front. Mathieu opened the door. “I took the liberty, hope you don’t mind. Now you have to say ‘yes’. You can put the phone down now.”

  “You’re gonna be nothing but trouble aren’t you?” Mathieu pulled the door further open and let Solomon step inside.

  “Yep.” Solomon put the shopping bags on the dining table, “Sit. I know where everything is. Sit. Sit.”

  “You’re awfully bossy all of a sudden,” but Mathieu sat anyway and watched Solomon move around the kitchen.

  “Yep.” Solomon set the table, including two beers from Mathieu’s fridge and removed the containers from the shopping bags. “Do you want the loin of lamb with broccoli and au gratin potatoes or the veal chop with asparagus and whipped potatoes? I’ve had both and they’re excellent. The containers are insulated so everything should still be hot. If not, I can always run it next door and nuke it.”

  Mathieu was stricken again, “you and your microwave. I’m going to break into your place while you’re out and steal it then I’m going to toss into the dumpster.”

  “I think you’d be breaking at least two laws doing that,” Solomon counted off on his fingers, “breaking and entering and theft. Oh..oh, three laws.” He added another finger, “isn’t there a new thing about disposing of electronic equipment properly? You can’t just throw those things out anymore. They have to be recycled. So, that’s three laws.” He held the three fingers out to Mathieu and wiggled them.

  The Irishman shook his head, looked down and sighed, “nothing but trouble.”

  Solomon grinned from ear to ear and was tempted to say ‘you love it’ but refrained, “lamb or veal?”

  “I’ll try the lamb. I don’t often buy that to cook for myself.” Solomon removed the lamb and sides from the container and placed it on the plate in front of Mathieu. “It smells wonderful. Did your friend cook this himself?”

  “Yes,” Solomon served himself the veal, “he took a cooking class at university and he was hooked. He changed his major to restaurant management, go a job as sous chef and worked in kitchens for a few years before going in as a partner on a
small place. When that didn’t work out he opened his steakhouse.”

  “Good for him. It’s not often you come across someone following their dream. But what about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “Are you following your dream? Did you always want to work in finance?”

  “I was going to be an accountant. Don’t make that face. Accounting isn’t that bad.” Mathieu had wrinkled his nose and stuck out his tongue. “I had to take an investments course and out of all the students I made the most money in the trials we did. Seems I had a knack for it. So, I took more investment classes and when I graduated I started working for the investment group.”

  “Are you the highest earner?”

  “I’m not the highest but I’m up there. I make a lot more than I lose. Do you have any investments? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  “I have a retirement account with a few bucks in it and the rest is in the bank.”

  “You should think about investing. I could help you.”

  “I’m not sure about that. Grandma always said you shouldn’t mix friendship and money.”

  “I invest for Anders and my friend Adrian and so far, knock on wood,” Solomon knocked on the dining table, “everything has been good. It’s how Anders was able to get his restaurant started. Think about it. You don’t have to invest everything. You can start small and see what happens.”

  “So, you’re just after me for my money. And here I thought you were after me for my cooking.” Mathieu winked.

  Solomon took the empty plates to the kitchen and returned to the table with two more beers. Mathieu suggested they move to the living room. They sat on opposite ends of the sofa and Solomon told him more about Anders’ restaurant and his university days. Mathieu showed Solomon the illustrations he was working on and said that his favorite subject to research was history. The brunette asked Solomon if he wanted to watch a movie and the blonde agreed. He opened his Flixe account and they chose one

  The movie started and something occurred to Solomon, “you know, if you think about it, in a certain way this is out third date.” He leaned toward the other end of the sofa.