When It's Over.
"Canard au vin rouge!" said Steele, presenting it with a flourish.
Laura applauded. The long-delayed delight deserved applause. "It smells delicious." she said.
He served it up. "I just hope you like it. Most of my best dishes don't have a month of anticipation between the promise and the proof."
She tasted it. "Oh, that's so good! You really are a genius, Mr Steele."
He sat down and tried some of his. "I really am, aren't I?"
"Things are going well." she said.
"Tonight, or in general?" he said.
"Both."
"Do I detect a but?" he said, frowning.
She shook her head. "Not really, it's just that ... "
"That call from Felicia yesterday ... "
"No. I'll admit she makes me uneasy, but it's something else. Have you ever watched a plate-spinning act?"
"Ah. You feel like we're in one."
"There's just so much that could go wrong, and half of it isn't even in our control. One person calls you by the wrong name in front of the wrong people and it's over, one past misdemeanour catches up with you at the wrong time and it's over. One jealous former lover decides to get even and ... "
"Fortunately, most of my ex-lovers are as felonious as I am ... "
"Past tense, please."
He grinned. "I'm currently running the biggest con of my life."
"There's also the chance you'll get bored, but I hope you have an exit planned that will leave the fiction of Steele intact." said Laura. It took a moment for her to find the courage to look into his eyes. When she did, he looked worried.
"You hope I have an exit planned?" he said. He looked pleasingly distressed at the prospect.
"I didn't mean that. I just mean, if you're going ... "
"Don't tear your world apart on my way out?" he said.
She thought it unwise to tell him that his departure was going to do a pretty good job of that anyway. "I just think too much. Ignore me."
He smiled. "Laura, if I were capable of ignoring a woman like you at a distance of about three feet, I'd be seriously concerned."
She smiled. "I'm spoiling a lovely evening."
"I understand your misgivings. If this all goes wrong, you have a lot more to lose than I do. Of course it's going to occasionally cross your mind. I have no exit strategy right now, but if it comes to that, I'll do whatever I can to protect your interests before I think of mine."
She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "Thanks. That's more than I could ask."
"It's the least I could do, after all you've done for, and endured from me."
"Whatever happens when it's over, whatever mess we have to clear up when the plates hit the floor," said Laura, "I don't regret starting them spinning. You're a good friend."
He smiled a wonderful smile and said softly. "Thankyou, Miss Holt, I feel the same way."
She took another mouthful and added, "A good friend who knows how to cook a duck."