‘I think I prefer lasagne made with aubergines, it seems tastier than beef,’ said Josie.

‘Yeah,’ said David, ‘it’s healthier, too. Can’t be a bad thing, can it?’

‘It sure can’t. How was today, anyway? How did the meeting go?’

‘It was nothing I couldn’t handle; just another day at the office, really. What about your day?’

‘Same old,’ she said, cutting into her meal. ‘Always the same old. Tiring, but at least I’ve got you to look forward to coming home to.’ David looked across the table at her and smiled. ‘See, how could I not love that face?’ said Josie.

The candle between them painted the dining room walls with dark light. It was complimented by the wandering rays from the lamp in the living room.

‘Flattered, as always. I suppose while we’re on the subject, it’s only right for me to tell you that you look as wonderful as ever this evening. But what else is new?’

‘Shush you, eat your dinner whilst it’s still warm.’ She looked across at him with a face of playfulness and innocence, and an air of wonder. She was encircled by an aura beautifully invisible; her presence was angelic and her eyes were the southern Pacific Ocean. Her mouth refused to hide her happiness; she was beaming to be there with David, nearly as much as he was content to share his time with her.

David and Josie had spent their lives as close friends. He had been infatuated for as long as he could remember, he didn’t tell her and he didn’t tell anybody else. His love for her was his secret.

As they grew together, so too did her affection.

‘Speaking of meetings,’ said David, as he drank his wine, ‘how do you feel about yours with Mr. Starziak and the board next Thursday?’

‘I’m sure it’ll be a walk in the park.’ She sipped her wine, almost as if she was mimicking his movement. ‘Besides, I doubt it’ll be long before they move me up the chain. Who says a woman can’t bring home the bacon?’ She pushed the last piece of food onto her fork and lifted it to her mouth. ‘Or the aubergines?’ She looked up at David with her ‘aren’t I funny?’ smirk.

He responded with his ‘that was so bad that it was quite good’ grin.

She placed her knife and fork side-by-side on the edge of her plate and pushed it forward. ‘Dessert?’

‘I thought you’d never ask,’ he said, as he stood up and put her plate on his before taking them both to the kitchen. ‘How does a great big slice of chocolate cake with some vanilla ice cream sound?’

‘Like a dream,’ she said.

Clanging and clanking noises escaped the kitchen as David prepared their desserts. He brought them to the table and placed hers in front of her.

‘Looks as tasty as you do. Probably not as sweet,’ he said. He took his seat at the other end of the table and tucked in to his cake and ice cream.

‘Again, shush you! You’ll overwhelm me with your words and I’ll be putty. And then, who knows?’

David’s second-favourite thing was preparing food. Passion and creativity flowed freely from him just before mealtimes. Josie’s soul ignited whenever she saw him so alive.

Starters, mains, desserts, snacks, breakfast, lunch, brunch. His aptitude bloomed and his versatility shone.

As quickly as they commenced, they both cleared their bowls and shared a post-gluttony satisfaction.

He saw that she had nearly finished her glass. ‘Full?’ said David.

‘One hundred percent,’ she said, the smile still upon her face.

‘So, what now?’

‘I’m a bit sleepy, is it okay if we just relax in bed and watch a nature documentary? Such soothing sounds.’

‘Of course we can,’ said David, ‘that sounds pretty perfect.’ He swallowed his last drop of wine and she followed suit.

‘Love you,’ she said.

‘I’ll be up shortly. Just going to clear up down here first.’ He blew out the candle and the room dimmed. He took his empty bowl and glass to the kitchen and put them in the sink.

He returned to the table where he collected her things to take to the kitchen. He placed her glass and bowl next to her plate on the sideboard.

Solemnly and sombrely, he walked back towards the dining room.

The scents of lasagne, wine, cake, and ice cream filled the house. They enveloped him; the comfort he felt was peculiar, almost uncanny.

He stopped next to the mantle and picked up the framed picture of Josie. ‘It never gets easier,’ he said as he lifted the picture to kiss it. ‘Sweet dreams, Josie.’