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I grunt my non-answer, making Lara chuckle.
When Seth arrives, I am just checking the lamb shoulder.
‘Oh wow, your place is stunning. I brought you some craft gin, one for you and one for your mum. It’ll probably kill you, but it’s the thought that counts.’
He unexpectedly pulls me into a hug. This is Seth. He has done something exceptionally sweet, but followed it with this, knowing that it makes me uncomfortable. I disengage quickly, letting him in and taking his duffel coat from him. He fixes his plaid shirt and smooths down his jeans, then pushes up his black, thick-rimmed glasses. When I first met him, he had a man bun, which he has since cut off.
‘Wine, gin or beer?’
‘Wine please. Mind if I have a look around?’
‘No, but this is kind of it. The only other rooms to see are the study and my bedroom, and they’re the first and second doors on the left. The bathroom is straight ahead if you need it.’
He wanders around while I set our places on the kitchen bar.
‘Wu-Tang Clan on vinyl?’ I hear him call from my bedroom.
‘I love them. I’ve been expanding my musical horizons.’
‘I can see that. You got that Buika album I was telling you about, The Notorious B.I.G, Rodrigo y Gabriela, African folk music and Tina Guo all in one stack?’ I hear him laugh ‘We’re going to have to do some serious work in here later.’
I catch his double entendre. It makes me uncomfortable.
‘Scallops are ready,’ I announce quickly. ‘I bought a lovely Châteauneuf-du-Pape for the starter.’
‘Red with scallops?’ He emerges from my room to return to the kitchen.
‘It’s a white. We have a beautiful Ridge Monte Bello for the main.’
‘This is lovely. Thank you, Ariella.’
He leans in to kiss my cheek and I let him, so it isn’t awkward.
‘Eat!’
The Seth I like spending time with shows up during the meal. We talk about photographing the Calais Jungle, digital privacy and whether democracy can truly exist. Before we sat down, I was beginning to regret having him over. Now I am back at ease, though I wish I liked Seth the way he wants to be liked.
We finish our starters slowly.
‘That was amazing. I’m talking Michelin quality. Have you ever considered opening up a food truck? I’d pay for that.’
‘No, but Jasper tried to buy me a small restaurant once—’
‘Ariella, is it okay if we don’t talk about Jasper tonight?’
‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I should be looking forward and not back.’
‘Speaking of looking forward, I bought a couple of Buika tickets and I wanted to take you, but on, like, a proper date…’
Just then, I hear the front door close. ‘I’m home! I demand you stop having sex on the couch right now, Ariella, you dirty girl!’
Caleb walks in, pretending to cover his eyes with his training bag, and makes me laugh. Phew, perfect timing.
‘That smells good – I’m starving. You must be Seth.’ Caleb extends his hand. ‘Good to meet you, mate, and thanks for keeping this one out of trouble.’
Caleb walks up to me and pokes me in the ribs. I yelp with laughter and smack his hand away.
‘You’re gross from training, and in general,’ I say, laughing. ‘Get in the shower. I have food for you.’
