THAT night, Aki’s wish came true: everyone was able to gather together at the inn in time to throw a grand party. The party took place around the large wooden table in the middle of the dining room, which they had rented for the night. Mountains of food wobbled unsteadily on top of the dozens of plates and bowls shoved together on the table.
Sitting at the table with everyone else, Aki served herself from several of the closest plates. She started with the corn chowder, the oil and butter baked salmon, and a soft roll with lavender butter kneaded into it.
Did Elias and Sutcliff really make all of this in just a day?
She glanced at Elias sitting beside her. Dressed casually in a white shirt and black slacks, he gracefully cut the roast beef with a silver fork and knife.
He’s cool even when he eats…
Aki realized she was a lost cause when she thought him wonderful in even the most menial of tasks.
As for Elias, he didn’t even notice her as he chatted away with Leo and Johann sitting across from him. They seemed to be enjoying their conversation as they sat forward and spoke with their hands as much as they did their mouths. Their laughter livened up the room.
After everything they had gone through, Aki was grateful they could enjoy each other’s company once again.
When Elias said they should break up, she thought the world had ended and became trapped by the idea she would never see him again.
Suddenly recalling the sadness, she grabbed his cuff under the table, wanting to make sure he was really there. Feeling the light tug on his sleeve, he turned toward her with an endearing smile.
“What’s wrong, Aki? Can’t reach a dish? Want me to get it for you?” he asked, seemingly thinking she was pestering him for a dish that was out of reach.
Sheesh. He still doesn’t have a clue.
Part of her wanted to stomp on his foot, but she was just too happy he was acting like himself again that she lightly bumped against his shoulder without answering.