“I wasn’t going to suggest it.I’m fine with this, it’s just different.I’ve never had black-eyed peas.”
“Then you’re in for a treat.You’ll never want rice and peas any other way after this.”Barry still looked skeptical but kept his mouth shut.“What did you end up doing today?Did you check out the falls I suggested?”
“I did go for a hike but not that way, and then I had lunch down the road from my hotel.I can’t remember the name of it, but it was run by a lady named Elsie who makes the best conch salads.”
Mac knew exactly who he was talking about.There was only one Elsie that Mac knew on the island.She was famous for her conch dishes.Mac had had her dishes a few times over the years.
Mac didn’t make a habit of eating out a lot, but during her student days, she used to go to the local restaurants to learn about the food and culture on the island.
“Did she tell you her life story?”Elsie had never met a stranger; everyone was a friend to her.
“No, but she feels a passion for Miles as you do.”
Some of the islanders were vocal like Mac was about not liking Miles on the island.“She’s very passionate about the island.This is the only place she’s ever known.As far as I know, she’s never been anywhere else.Her family has lived here for generations.She’s very protective of it.”
Mac checked on Barry’s progress.The vegetables were cooked down.It was time for the next step.
“I didn’t see the source of your ire from last night on our way here.”
“Miles doesn’t come down to mingle with us lower class very often.He prefers to stay up in his ivory tower.We’re ready to add the tomato paste and sugar.”
Barry grabbed the supplies and measured them out as Mac instructed.“I was curious about his hotel and looked it up online.It looks impressive.”
Mac rolled her eyes.She had done the same when she’d found out he was building there, but she wasn’t impressed.The thing was big and gaudy.It stood out like a beacon on the island and didn’t fit in.
“You disagree.”
“Let’s not talk about Miles tonight.”She wanted to enjoy her night and whatever time she had with Barry before he went back home.She didn’t want to get herself worked up in anger.
“Okay, what would you like to talk about?”
There were so many things Mac wanted to learn about Barry, but she’d made a deal with herself: the less she knew about him, the better.This was only supposed to be temporary.Why get to know each other just to forget about each other soon?Though Mac doubted she would forget about Barry anytime soon.“Can you cook rice?”
“What?”
“It’s time to add the rice.I need to work on the fish.”
“I can do this.”
“Do you mind if I put on some music?I like cooking with music in the background.”
“Sure.”
“Is there anything you like?”
“Classic rock like Queen.”He was old school.She liked that.So was she.Mac grabbed her phone and opened her music app, connecting it to play over the speaker.It wasn’t loud but just enough to hear.
Mac recognized the opening chords to “Take My Breath Away.”She started swaying to the melody and singing the song softly under her breath as she heated a pan on the stovetop.
Barry stopped right beside her, watching the pot as if it were going to do something.What, she didn’t know, besides cook.Maybe he was just lost in thought.
“Can you dance?”she found herself asking.
Barry pulled a face somewhere between horror and a grimace.“If I’m required to.”
“What if I’m asking you to?”She smiled sweetly and batted her eyelashes.
“Well, are you asking or just hinting?”
