Page 42 of My Downfall

I hit confirm on the flight schedule I’ve finally been able to concentrate on enough to actually arrange, but decide to tackle the hotel tomorrow. I know exactly where we’re staying; it’s the same little boutique hotel just off The Mall that I always stay at.

I’m taking my girl to London. One of my favorite cities.

“Food’s ready.” She pops a plate in front of me. I have no idea what it’s meant to be, but I’ll give her credit, it smells delicious.

“Thanks, baby. What is it?”

“Nachos.”Huh?

“I’ve had nachos.” I gesture to the plate in front of me. “This is not nachos.”

“It’s the Whitlock version. Trust me it’s good.”

“Where are the nachos?” She tuts at me as she takes the seat next to me.

“The presentation might need some work but the flavors all there.”

I cautiously pick up my fork and load it up with the food, taking a bite and hoping for the best. I moan as I’m hit with a kaleidoscope of flavors, hot, cool, cheesy, meaty — everything all at once.

“Fuck, baby, this is good. Really fucking good.” I don’t hesitate with my next bite, taking an even bigger one this time.

“Told ya,” she sings as she fills her own mouth with the delectable food.

“What else can you cook?”

“Not much. I think I probably have about three dishes I can claim to cook well.”

“Well, if they’re anything like this, I’ll take those, too.”

“Do you cook?” She turns to look at me as she chews on her food.

“Yeah, I know my way around a kitchen. I’ll cook for you this week, and on nights when neither of us fancy it, then we’ll get takeout.”

“How many nights am I staying with you for?”

“All of them.”

She chokes on the mouthful of food she’d just placed in her mouth, and I thump her back hard, passing her the water that’s in front of us.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” She just about manages to get out. She takes a moment to get her breathing back under control before she speaks again. “What do you mean ‘all of them’?”

“What did it sound like I meant?”

“Like you expect me to stay here indefinitely.”

“Bingo.”

“Oh, fuck off, Hudson.” I pause with my fork midway to my mouth and turn my head to face her.

“You want to try that one again?”

“You heard me just fine.”

“I really hope for your sake I didn’t.” She can’t honestly think she’s going to get away with talking to me like that?

“I am not staying with you every night. We’re not like that, not to mention wecan’tbe like that. I also live at home. I might be twenty-two, but my mom will ask questions if I practically move out.”