Two days later, Matthew popped over to Alice's. Alice answered the door and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was Matthew. He held up a bag and said, "you left your bag in the car on Friday. We both forgot it was there!"
"Come in…if you want to."
Matthew never answered, just walked through the door and closed it behind him.
"I wasn't sure if you were working today but I thought I'd just leave it at the door for you, if you weren't."
"I was working night shift last night; I'm not long up but at least I'm not back until Monday lunchtime. You?"
"I had a day off today so was tidying out he car. That's when I found your bag."
Matthew looked at his watch and saw that it was 2 pm. He looked over at Alice and said, "have you eaten yet?"
"No, not yet. Shall we make something? I have some things in that we could make something with."
Matthew laughed and said, "will it make us something amazing or not?"
"Have a look in the fridge, freezer and cupboards for yourself! You are rather cheeky, Matthew Lawson." Alice laughed and motioned to the rest of the kitchen, offering up the space for investigation.
Matthew found some onions, peppers, cooked chicken, potatoes and eggs; "looks like a reasonable haul to make something!"
They decided that they would make a frittata and heat the chicken and Alice pulled a bottle of wine from the fridge, pouring them both a glass as they started to prepare their meal and set the table.
"Alice…you said your mother mentioned you'd never make a good wife…why? I'm curious."
Alice looked at Matthew and thought about her potential answer then just decided that the truth would be acceptable.
"She said…she told me I wasn't pretty enough to turn a man's head; that I should get myself a good job so I could pay for someone to cook and clean for me because I didn't have the skills to do it for myself." Alice hung her head, cleared her throat and continued to set the table.
"Well, I think you've proved her wrong…don't you? You cook and you clearly clean and tidy as your apartment is lovely."
"She was right about not turning a man's head though."
Matthew turned and took Alice's hand and kissed her knuckles, "You've turned my head Alice. You're smart and funny…and very pretty. I'd like to take you out…if you'd like me to?"
"You would? Really? You're not just saying that because you…because you are polite?"
"No! Of course not. I like you Alice. I'd like to get to know you more. Would you like to Alice?"
Alice turned to look at Matthew and nodded, "I'd like that very much."
They ate their food, drank their wine and talked of this and that, passing the rest of the afternoon with each other. When Matthew was leaving, he leaned in for a kiss and gently pressed his lips to Alice's. She smiled and looked at Matthew and as she did, he asked "shall we go to the pictures on Friday night? Are you free?"
Alice looked over at Matthew and replied, "I finish at 6: I could take a change of clothes and get changed at work? Would you mind if I smelled a little of disinfectant? I'll be sure to wear some extra perfume."
Matthew took one of her hands in his and leaned in for another kiss, "I'll pick you up from the morgue on Friday then. See you then."
