Spookychild’s writings

“You have been noticeably quiet. Is there something wrong?” He asked. One hand was resting on the counter.

I shook my head and looked back at the silverware.

“Are you sure? You look upset, and I am not trying to be pushy or rude; I want you to feel comfortable here. My dog loves you.” Ben pointed to Buddy who was still leaning against me. “And you love him; that is halfway to a proposal right there.”

I looked at him and blinked. Proposal? What was he talking about. When I didn’t say anything, he pointed at the food. “Do you need salt or something else? Please, ask me anything. I will not take offense. Anything at all.”

I opened my mouth, closed it, and looked at the food again. I opened my mouth and turned back to meet his eye. “I have no idea; what silverware do I eat this with?” I was completely serious.

Ben blinked and then grinned at me. “That’s the beauty of it, we are in my house, and I don’t care which you use.” He returned to his side of the counter and held up his fork and spoon. “I usually use my fork, but sometimes I like shoveling it in.” He proved this fact by demonstrating, then, with a mouthful of food, smiled at me with his mouth closed and shrugged.

I appreciated the joke. I relaxed a little and smiled back at him. “Okay. If you do not care.” I replied. I picked up the fork and began to eat slowly. Ben was watching me; I could feel his eyes on me, making my face burn. My stomach was still flipping every time his eyes met mine. And the butterflies had not stopped.

After a few minutes he spoke again. “So, how do you like it?” He inquired.

“It’s good,” I answered, nodding and smiling. I was trying hard not to think about how stupid I looked sitting in his kitchen eating in his sweatshirt. I pointed to Buddy. “Does he need to eat?” I queried, meeting Ben’s eyes again, and this time the flip spread into my groin.

“Hey, I forgot.” Ben gazed at me. “If your dog and mine get along, I think it’s settled.”

“What?” I said this time, still not catching on.

He shook a finger at me. “I will let you know later. It is too soon right now.” He took another big bite.