37: R&N: The Tenderloin Type

9:42 am, Vera Manor Garden, Azalea Bushes

"How about dinner? Couple's night in? I'd love for our partners to finally meet," responded Rani, with a toss of her crystalline bangs.

"S-sure," said Abigael. Was this really happening? She steadied her voice. "My place? I make a mean Beef Wellington, you know."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." With that, Rani gave a quick wave to Abigael and Maya, and vanished.

And just like that, Abigael thought to herself, she had been given a new lease on life.

Noon, Vera Manor, Kitchen

Abigael walked through the patio doors and hugged Mel from behind while the latter was making a quick chopped salad of lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, zucchini, and peppers, with a touch of balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The zucchini and peppers had come from Macy's front garden in the Azores, which had been transported to Vera Manor by way of the she-shed portal.

"Wow, Abigael, where's this coming from?" laughed Mel as she portioned out the salad. Macy, Harry, and Maya, meanwhile, had taken over the outdoor picnic table (enjoying iced tea and cucumber lox sandwiches garnished with dill), and Maggie and Jordan were at work. Mel couldn't recall the last time her partner had been in such a free-spirited mood. The past couple of weeks had been emotionally nerve-wracking, and Mel never once regretted using the paid leave she'd saved up, in the process. It was a nice change to be out of the loud city, with its pavement so hot due to the summer heat, that one could positively fry an egg on it.

Abigael laughed aloud and momentarily detached herself from Mel, setting the kitchen table for two, utensils and all. Once they had sat down and began eating the leafy greens, Abigael finally spoke. "Our apartment is finally safe to return to."

"Oh—wow!" Mel exclaimed. "That's awesome! Really?" Abigael nodded, though her smile faded a little after a few more seconds. "What is it?"

"Well…" Abigael faltered. "There's good and bad news."

"Ok…" Mel said, hesitating, her lettuce-filled fork poised mid-air. "Spill."

"Good news: we have our apartment back, and you have leave and I'm on summer hiatus, and with the she-shed portal, we can go back and forth whenever we please, so we can help Macy and attend to our daily needs."

"…And the bad news?" Mel asked slowly.

"—Depends on your perspective. Rani's coming to dinner this Friday—" Abigael began.

"What?" exclaimed Mel. "First she sends you a rose covered in fake blood, then a peony you turn to ashes, and now she wants us to play hostess and she wants her lover back?"

"Actually, it's a double date—she wants to make amends, and she's bringing her girlfriend—" said Abigael, trying to sound as diplomatic and peaceful as possible, which was difficult given her chosen profession. "So, no, she's not looking to take on another lover. Last I checked, she seemed rather content with that girlfriend of hers. I hear she's dark-haired and studious. I think you'd like her."

Abigael almost sounded—pleasant? Or nostalgic?—when talking about that ex of hers, thought Mel to herself. She sighed. No matter. She was Mel Vera, a strong, fierce, fearless woman—a powerful female with impressive brainpower. But that didn't matter in the here and now. "And this dinner is required for her to lay off?" Her partner nodded.

"So it would seem."

Mel pondered the curious nature of this absurd situation. A white-haired woman obsessed with the color sends creepy flowers to an ex, breaks into the apartment, and is likely bent on avenging her great-aunt's death. Something was missing. "How did Rani let you know she was fine with dinner—and not going after you for her great-aunt?"

"She accosted me in the bushes of Vera Manor Garden earlier this morning when I was giving Maya riding lessons."

"Wait—so Maya saw her? What if Maya had gotten hurt?" shrieked Mel, astounded at Abigael's apparent lack of concern.

"Rani meant us no harm, told me she understood why I did what I did, and accepted my apology," replied Abigael, neglecting to mention anything of the heartfelt letter she'd written to generate such a response. "I told her I'd make us all Beef Wellington." She drew a forkful of zucchini to her lips and chewed. Who knew Azorian zucchini tasted so good?

Mel couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy. "Beef Wellington? You've made Shepherd's Pie, but you've never once made Beef Wellington for me." She stabbed at her salad, spraying bits of vinaigrette on the edges of her plate.

"You never seemed the tenderloin type," Abigael remarked, then immediately regretted having said so.

"Meaning?" Mel was now staring at Abigael. I dare you. Test my patience again, why don't you…

"You're all about healthy, quick-prep meals," Abigael hurriedly responded. "Beef wellington's a highly complex recipe that requires a bunch of ingredients and, at minimum, two hours of oven preparation…"

"I can get the ingredients."

"Pardon?" Abigael was now the one gawking at Mel. "Are you sure? I mean, love, it's a lot of little items…they cost a pretty penny…"

"I'll go grocery shopping with Harry and Jordan at the organic market and get them there. Gimme a list and I'll do it." Mel knew she wasn't a great cook, but in a showdown with her partner's ex, she was determined to come out on top.

"Ok…if you're absolutely certain…" Abigael replied cautiously.

"I am."