Cheese and Crackers

By ChicagoTunnelKid 

Vincent softly landed on the balcony, in the midst of a planned dinner party, apparently. Contrite that he had arrived unannounced, he started to go back the way he had come. Catherine came out, holding a large tray laden with foodstuffs.

"Vincent! Where are you going?"

"I apologize, Catherine, for interrupting your plans this evening. I was hoping tonight would be convenient to read from Jane Eyre. Perhaps another night." He began to turn.

Catherine had placed the tray on the balcony table as she listened to his explanation. She reached out a hand to his arm to stay his progress.

"You were my plans for this evening, Vincent. I prepared this for you." She moved her hand to encompass the table, the candles lit and twinkling, the teapot and cups off to the side of the chairs.

Confused, Vincent asked, "But how did you know I was coming?"

"I didn't for sure, but this Bond thing had me feeling that maybe you would, so I prepared on the chance that you would be here." She drew out a chair, indicating for him to sit.

He sat down, and noticed the tray of foods. On it sat cheeses, and fruits including grapes, strawberries, and apple slices dipped in lemon and cinnamon, if his nose was correct. Crackers completed the offerings, in case one wanted to stack a piece of cheese atop. All were finger foods. All would be simpler for him to manage with more grace. His heart swelled at the thought of the care she took to make him feel comfortable.

She sat across from him and placed filled teacups in front of them.

"We so often meet so late that all we can do is sit and read a bit, and then you leave. It all feels so … rushed and impersonal. So I thought we could have some appetizers, at least, before we read tonight. And I get to serve you, although I can't claim any of this as cooking." She laughed.

She picked up a piece of cheese and popped it in her mouth. Her eyes never left his as he did the same. They ate in companionable silence, sipping tea, and mostly drinking in each other with their eyes.

How he ate was never an issue. He forgot to be self-conscious, and she never thought of it as an issue, just a challenge to show him what did matter was the time and attention they paid one another.

Another hurdle crossed, he thought, that was never a hurdle at all. He was feeling more like part of a true couple, like he was really no different than any other man Below who courted a woman. At least, he hoped he was courting Catherine, for he desperately wanted that outcome someday.

Cheese and crackers. Maybe that was how he should think of every barrier that his mind would create, or Father would raise, to him and Catherine being together. Find the "cheese and cracker" solution that would ease them further into the relationship.

He reached for another cracker and smiled.