7 The Meal

"What?" Charlotte asked in surprise.

"I'd like to commission you to do a painting. I'd pay for it of course." He hurriedly explained.

"You don't need to pay me. I'm really not that great. It's just something I enjoy. I'll never make a living at it or anything." She said.

"Well, I'd really like one. Come to my office tomorrow and get a feel for the room so you can decide what to paint." He said in a domineering tone, giving her no room to argue.

"Okay, If you're really certain." She said as they walked out to the living area.

He followed her over to the kitchen. A pot of soup boiled on the back of the oven and a wok simmered chicken. She went back to chopping vegetables with a large knife.

He sat down on a bar stool across from her and observed her. She was truly beautiful. Her long brown, curly hair was in a ball on her head. Her skin was milky white and her dark eyes danced merrily. Though her figure was currently hidden under her loose clothing, he knew from that morning when he'd caught her that she was curved in all the right places. Her long, graceful fingers expertly chopped vegetables.

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He reached up to loosen his tie, suddenly feeling very warm.

"You can leave your jacket and tie by the door if you like." Charlotte said without looking up.

He did as she suggested and walked back to her.

"Do you need any help?" He asked suddenly.

"I'm almost finished prepping. Just waiting on things to finish cooking. I'm sorry I don't have a dining table. I usually eat on the sofa while I watch Korean dramas. There's a table on the balcony if you want to eat there." She said.

He'd never had a meal in front of the television before. But he was willing to try it.

"The sofa will be fine. Korean dramas you say?" He answered with a hint of teasing.

"Guilty," she laughed. "My love life is non existent so I live vicariously through TV."

His heart tightened strangely. She wasn't seeing anyone! He wasn't sure why that made him so happy.

"Don't worry. I don't expect you to watch them with me. You can relax." She tried to reassure him.

"I don't mind." He muttered quietly.

After a few minutes she pulled out two plates, two bowls, and two cups. She quickly filled the dishes with delicious smelling food and carried them to the small table by the sofa.

"I made lemonade yesterday. I also have fruit juice or I can make some tea or get you some water. What would you like?" Charlotte asked.

"Lemonade is fine." He said.

She passed him a spoon and chop sticks and went to pour two glasses of lemonade. She brought them back to the sofa and handed him one before she sat down cross legged with her plate.

He sat down beside her. His heart felt warm. He'd been waited on by servants since he was young but never by someone like Charlotte. It felt nice for someone to show consideration because they wanted to, not just because they were expected to.

He looked at his food. Homemade noodles, freshly cooked vegetables, teriyaki chicken and braised beef soup. It smelled amazing. He scooped food up with his chopsticks and took a large bite.

"Mmmm, this is really good! It's restaurant quality!" He praised in surprise.

"I told you I can cook." Charlotte grinned.

"I underestimated you." He admitted.

"Well, I hope you've learned your lesson. Hey, are you sure you want to watch my shows with me? I'm sure I can find some news or business reports for you to watch." Charlotte said.

"No, let's watch what you normally would. I need a break from business reports anyway." Gordon said.

"Well I say I watch Korean dramas but recently I've been watching a Chinese one that I really like. It's a period show." Charlotte said as she grabbed the remote box.

Soft music and a title screen that said, "Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty" appeared on the screen.

"She fell in love with a prince of the Qing dynasty and went back in time to find him. But she's caught in a love triangle because not only does the thirteenth prince want her but prince number four does too." Charlotte explained and then fell silent as she ate and became engrossed in the show.

Gordon quickly ate the delicious food. He was watching Charlotte out of the corner of his eyes.

"Xiao Wei, you better get your memory back! It's thirteenth prince, not forth prince!" Charlotte shouted at the TV.

"What, you choose the prince who teases her instead of the man who is sincere?" Gordon asked.

"I do for her, yes. Because that's who her character is supposed to end up with. But if I were choosing? I'd choose prince number four myself. I like his personality better. His family says he has a heart of ice, he's so serious and reserved. But deep down he's capable of deep feelings and steady love." Charlotte said thoughtfully.

She stood up and took their empty dishes to the sink not realizing the effect her words had on Gordon.

His breath was ragged and he felt hopeful and terrified at the same time. Could it be Charlotte would be able to see past his cold exterior? Could she understand that his reserved and at times domineering nature hid a heart that deeply longed for true respect and acceptance?

Charlotte was in the kitchen chopping fruit and placing it on a platter. "Then again, I'm not sure. Prince number four has several wives on this show and I'd be too jealous to share!" She said, laughing.

"I find it hard to believe your love life is nonexistent as you say." Gordon said hesitantly.

"It's not hard for me to believe. Mom has asked my auntie to arrange blind dates for me for awhile now. They always end badly. They never want to see me a second time." She laughed in self deprecation.

"Why?" Asked Gordon.

"Some give polite excuses. Others outright tell me I talk too much or that I'm too clumsy. I can't tell you the times I've accidentally spilled my water glass on an unsuspecting man. Unfortunately when I'm nervous I become more klutzy than normal." She admitted.

"You were nervous this morning? Is that how I ended up with coffee all over me?" Gordon meant to tease her but it came out in a serious tone.

Charlotte covered her red face with her hands. "Aiya! I was so afraid of being late and terrified for you to interview me. I don't know why you gave me the job anyway, but thank you." Charlotte said meekly.

"Your resume says you are capable." Gordon said simply.

They continued to watch the TV show in comfortable silence. Gordon noticed Charlotte began to fight back yawns. When the show ended Gordon stood.

"Your cooking is very good. I will eat here in the evenings and pay you. You can use it to help your mother and sister." Gordon abruptly announced.

"Mmmhmm." Charlotte agreed.

"I'll be going." Gordon said.

"Good night, Mr. Zhou." Charlotte said softly.