They spent more than 5 minutes in bed, that was for certain, but it was not wasted. Bernie rationalised their further 'lie in' by explaining to Serena that they would have to reign it in when Elinor was here. What was it, no pashing or PDA's. Bernie could only assume that meant no feeling Serena up or snogging her, to put it bluntly. She needed to get her fill now then.
Eventually they were up and dressed, they went to Marks and Spencer to pick up food. Bernie, who usually hated the mundane task of food shopping, actually did not mind pushing the trolley behind Serena as she picked things from the aisles. She even took pleasure in spending more than a little time picking out some nice wines.
After that they headed to Bernie's flat to just check on things, pick up some post and some more clothes. Serena was still working on Bernie letting her put some of her clothes in with her washing, but it seems that the slowly, slowly catchy monkey approach was the right one to take regarding domestic bliss. She had to keep reminding herself that this was not something that came naturally to Bernie.
They got back to the house mid-afternoon and Serena hit the kitchen straight away as the beef joint needed to be in the oven. Bernie asked if there was anything she could help with but Serena declined. She loved standing in the kitchen with the radio on chopping up the veg and she knew that this did not appeal to Bernie in the same way, but bless her for asking. Bernie was happy to keep Serena company in the kitchen; she sat at the table checking her personal emails and dealing with the few bits of post from the flat. They talked about nothing in particular and sung along to the radio. It was all very relaxed; but inside each were wondering what would happen this evening. Serena just hoped Elinor did not kick off again. Bernie hoped that Elinor would at least see she made Serena happy and that this was not a flash in the pan.
Serena could see that Bernie was looking pensive so she went over to where she was sitting and perched on her knee putting her arms around Bernie's neck.
"Are we OK Major?"
"Mmmm, yeah; just hope it goes OK later, for your sake."
"I know." Serena places a kiss to Bernie's temple, "Dinner is going to be a while; you look like you could do with a run." Serena raised an eyebrow, hoping the prompt would be enough for Bernie to know that she did not mind if she needed some of her own space for a bit.
"You wouldn't mind?"
Serena shakes her head, "Not at all, you run, I bake. What would you like me to make?"
"Um, I don't know, everything you make is exquisite. Surprise me."
Serena smiled and got up, "Off you go then give me some peace while I work."
Bernie smiles as she goes up to change into her running gear, as she comes down the stairs Serena waves some money at her, "Not sure where you are running to but can you get a tin of ambrosia custard for Jason please. Apparently my custard is not up to scratch."
Bernie took the cash and smiled, Serena's custard was so nice she had eaten bowls of it even when the cake had ran out, but Jason…. He really is a unique young man.
She dropped a kiss to Serena's lips and smiled, "See you in a bit love."
Bernie got back from her run about an hour later. She let herself in as Serena had just put a shortcrust lid on a pie. She was wiping the work surface as Bernie came in and wrapped her arms around her placing the can of custard on the counter.
"Good run?" Serena enquired.
She kissed Serena's neck and spun her round to face her, catching her in a full kiss. "Yes, super. I'm ravenous!"
"Well dinner will be at 5pm, so not long."
Bernie gave her a cheeky smile and ran her fingers over Serena's ticklish waist, "I didn't mean for the food." She lifted her eyebrows pulling Serena in for a kiss. Serena could not believe how wanted Bernie made her feel.
"Well Major, you know you will have to wait for that. In the meantime you better prise yourself from me and go and have a shower before Ellie gets here and thinks we 'fooling around' in the kitchen."
"Too late Mother." Comes an amused voice from the doorway. Elinor is standing leaning against the door frame with a bottle of wine in her hands. Serena does not know how long she has been there but probably too long, "God, you two are just like teenagers."
Both Serena and Bernie turned to look at Elinor, she is beaming. Bernie then turns to Serena and wipes the flour from her cheek and places a kiss there. "I'll be off for a shower. Can I fix either of you a drink before I go?"
Serena signals to the glass next to the hob and Elinor holds out her gift of wine to Bernie. Bernie pours drinks for both from the already open bottle. "I will join you for a glass shortly." She exits the kitchen to freshen up, glad to give Serena some time with Elinor, at the very least to gauge her mood after catching them getting frisky by the fridge.
Serena takes a sip from her glass as Elinor moves herself from the doorframe. "Sorry darling, we didn't hear you come in."
"Clearly Mother." She laughs as she hugs her mum.
"Um, how much did you see? I mean, how long have you been here."
"Oh, long enough Mum. It was like a car accident; you don't want to look, but you just have to." She laughs.
"Ellie!" Serena laughs, "You are just jealous."
"Of what exactly?"
"The fact I am getting more sex than you are." Serena takes another smug sip of wine.
"Good grief, do you have to." Elinor turns as red as the wine she is drinking. "I hope you don't act like that around Jason, poor lad will be scarred for life."
"Jason does not sneak into the house and lean on doorways young lady."
"Touché mother, touché. I don't usually sneak about like that but I just had to see, I mean, what I'm saying is I wanted to see how you two are without putting on a show for me. I wanted to see if she genuinely you know…"
"What?"
"Well everyone always tells people their relationships are brilliant even if they aren't. I needed to see for myself."
"And?"
"Pains me to say it mum but I think you may need to check Bernie for a concussion or something. She wants to ravish you, even when you are wearing that apron and have flour on your face. It's either a concussion or she is actually in love with you."
Now it was Serena's turn to blush the colour of Shiraz.