Now it's pleasant instead of standard.
"But," she continues, taking another bite of osso buco, "we're getting married anyway, so does it really matter if there'schemistry or not? We're stuck with each other either way. The arrangement is already made."
Stuck with each other. Like we're prisoners of circumstance.
"That's a romantic way to put it," I say dryly.
"I'm a realist. I believe in being practical about these things." She takes another bite, then pauses. "This osso buco is seriously incredible though. Do you cook like this often?"
"No. This was special."
"You should cook more often. You're really talented at it." She pauses, setting down her fork. "Oh! Speaking of which, we should probably figure out a system."
"A system for what?"
"For when I'm here regularly. Like, should I bring my own food? There’s plenty of room in your refrigerator. Or will you cook? Or should we cook together?" She's warming to this topic with obvious enthusiasm. "I could make Sunday dinner sometimes. When I'm living here."
"You're not living here," I say firmly.
"We're getting married, Santo. Where else would I live after the wedding? Do you expect me to still live with my parents when we’re married?"
"We haven't discussed living arrangements. Nothing is decided."
"Well, we should discuss it! We need to figure these things out soon." She sets down her fork. "Should I sell my car? Or keep it? Do you have parking here for two vehicles?"
"We're not discussing this now. Not during dinner."
"When should we discuss it then?"
"Later. Much later."
"How much later? Because time is running out." She picks up her wine glass and takes a long sip. "Oh! And I'll need a key. Or a code. However, your building works."
I choke on my wine, the liquid going down wrong. "A what?"
"A key. So, I can come and go freely." She says it like it's completely reasonable. "You know, when I need to bring more stuff over. Or if I want to surprise you with something nice. I could make dinner for you sometime. As a surprise."
"No."
"No to dinner? Or no to the key?"
"Both. Absolutely both."
"That seems unreasonable. We're engaged, Santo. I should have access to your home. It's going to be my home too."
"You should have access when I'm here to let you in personally."
"What if you're not here and I need something? Like if I left my phone charger here? Or my favorite sweater? Or I need to pick something up?"
"Then you wait until I'm home. You text me and wait."
"That's not right." She finishes her wine with one long swallow. "I'll need a key eventually anyway. Why not just give it to me now and save us the trouble later?"
"Because you're not moving in!" I realize I'm raising my voice.
"Not yet," she says again. "But the key would make things easier for both of us. More convenient."
"Why are you doing this?"
