“My friend is fixing it tomorrow.”
I looked at the stove and saw she was cooking a porterhouse steak in my cast-iron pan. There was some kind of sauce covering it.
“I can’t afford it, no matter what it costs.”
“I know. What did you do to that poor steak?” I whined.
“Oh, you’re gonna love it. It’s mushroom gravy made from scratch. The steak is rare, just like you like it, and it’s ready.”
“Where’s yours?”
“I’m just having a salad,” she said softly.
“Look, Ginny. You can have some steak. I used to give Jane the filet side anyway. You don’t have to eat like a rabbit here. You can have what I have, and you certainly don’t have to cook for me.”
“I just wanted to do something nice for you. You’re doing so much for me.”
“Thanks,” I said and sat to eat.
She kept looking at me throughout the meal. I was getting annoyed and groaned, “What? Do I have something in my beard?”
“I was wondering if you liked your steak.”
I nodded, “It’s good. Not something I’d ever think of eating, but it’s good.”
“Next time, I’ll get some cream and brandy to make you steak au poivre. It’s even better.”
I shook my head and sopped up the last of the sauce with a piece of bread. I held back saying I didn’t want to eat like her rich friends, but if that was better, it’d be fantastic.
I stood too quickly and groaned at the stiffness in my back.
“Are you okay?” She asked rushing to my side.
“I just overdid it today with golf and the walk back from the auto shop. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll run you a hot bath to soothe those muscles of yours. Give me a sec.”
Before I could argue, she hurried off upstairs. The last time I took a bath was with Jane on our honeymoon, so I’d never used my tub. I was a shower guy, although my house had a large bathtub. Maybe I’d give it a shot.
“Put that down,” she demanded when she returned and saw me wiping out the pan. “I know how to take care of a cast-iron pan, and you need to get off your feet and relax.”
“Okay, okay. You can do the dishes. Just stop yelling at me.”
“I didn’t mean to yell; I’m sorry. Now let’s get you settled.”
“I’m perfectly capable of taking my own bath.”
“Oh, I, um, didn’t mean…”
“I’m sure you didn’t. I’m just a commoner.”
I walked away unsure of why I said that. She didn’t imply she was going to give me a bath, and I wouldn’t have let her anyway.
I shook off the momentary vision of her naked and rubbing soap all over my body. What can I say, she was beautiful.
*****
I woke in the tub to Ginny knocking on the bathroom door.
“Viv, are you okay? Answer me, or I’m coming in.”
“I’m fine. I dozed off,” I yelled.
The water cooled, and I had no idea how long I’d been in the tub. My hands were pruny to be sure, and when I stood I was even more stiff. So much for the muscle relaxing.
“I worried about you. I thought you might’ve drowned,” Viv whined as I slid by her.
“Well, I’m all right. You don’t have to fuss over me.”
“I’m just trying to help.”
I nodded and said, “Thanks anyway.”
“What’s the matter? Don’t you feel better?”
“Honestly? No. I guess sitting in the tub for too long makes things worse.”