Luca set some drinks out on the table, then dished up a plate for himself. Amelia suspected that he would go down below to eat his meal, like he had on their previous outing.
She felt bad. Like they were banishing him below deck or something. He didn’t seem to mind, though. Once Ben had put his steak on his plate, Luca headed down the stairs into the lower level of the boat.
“Here we go,” Ben said, holding the plate with the steaks out to her. “This one should hopefully be cooked to your satisfaction.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Amelia said as she took the steak he had indicated.
Ben cracked open a can of raspberry-flavored sparkling water and carefully poured it into a glass before setting it in front of her. It didn’t surprise Amelia that it was her favorite flavor.
As they ate, their conversation was light and easy. It helped to lessen the tension Amelia had been carrying all day, and thoughts of the binder in her bag faded as they talked.
It was a peaceful meal, even with the sounds of other watercrafts on the lake. The gentle rocking of the boat combined with the delicious food and Ben's easy conversation made Amelia feel more relaxed than she had in days.
As they finished their meal, the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, casting long golden fingers across the water.
"That was amazing," Amelia said, setting her fork down on her empty plate. "I don't think I've eaten that well in months."
Ben smiled, pride evident on his face despite the fact that Connie had prepared most of the meal. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I can't take much credit beyond not burning the steak."
Amelia smiled back at him, appreciating his humility. "Still, thank you for this. The whole evening has been lovely."
The gentle lapping of water against the boat filled a momentary silence between them. Amelia's fingers traced the condensation on her glass as she gazed out at the lake.
Other boats dotted the water, their occupants also enjoying the perfect summer evening. She couldn't help but feel a bitremoved from everything, as if she and Ben existed in their own little world out on the lake.
Even her ever-present pain didn’t diminish the sense of calm she felt.
"Let me clean this up and then we can watch the sunset,” Ben said as he stacked the plates.
“I can help.” Amelia got up and helped him return the leftover food to the cooler.
“We still have dessert,” Ben said. “I think you’ll like it.”
“Something chocolate?”
He smiled at her, then winked. “I wouldn’t dare bring anything else. I’ll be right back.”
Amelia sat back down at the table, watching as he went down to the lower deck. She felt a flutter of nerves return as she realized the conversation she'd been planning couldn't be delayed much longer. She reached for her bag, her fingers brushing over the smooth fabric before pulling it against her leg.
The binder seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. All the medical terminology, all the limitations spelled out in black and white.
Once Ben saw it—once he truly understood what her life would be like—would he still look at her the way he had been lately? With affection? And maybe something more?
Ben returned with a small tray holding two slices of chocolate cake drizzled with a rich sauce and topped with fresh berries. Amelia's mouth watered at the sight.
"Chocolate fudge cake with raspberry sauce," Ben announced, setting a plate in front of her with a flourish. "Connie said it's her grandmother's recipe."
"It looks amazing," Amelia said, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She hesitated, then set the bag aside. The conversation could wait until after dessert. One more moment of normalcy before everything changed.
As Amelia took her first bite of the chocolate cake, she closed her eyes involuntarily. The rich chocolate melted on her tongue, the tangy raspberry sauce cutting through the sweetness perfectly. For a moment, she allowed herself to simply enjoy the sensation.
"Good?" Ben asked, watching her reaction with a pleased expression.
"Incredible," she admitted, taking another bite. "I don't think I've had cake this good since…" She paused, trying to remember. "Honestly, I can’t remember ever having a chocolate cake this good."
“I’ll be sure to tell Connie. She’ll be thrilled,” Ben said as he lifted a forkful of cake. "You know, I think this might be the perfect evening."
Amelia nodded, taking another bite of the decadent cake. It might have been a perfect evening so far, but the binder pressing against her leg reminded her of what was to come.
