Page 43 of Guarded By Death
We arrive at the house and Mom heads off to get dressed for work.
Pierce walks me to a wooden bar stool in the kitchen and helps me up. "What do you want to eat?" he asks, his face buried inside the fridge.
"Anything," I beg. My stomach hurts from lack of food.
He starts pulling out random things from the kitchen, a few pots and pans are set on the stove with the burners off. He pours a cup of water for me and slides it across the granite countertop. I see my reflection in the clear glass, unfortunately, mom is a perfectionist about scrubbing so I have a clear yet transparent view of my tired face. Dark bags take up residence underneath my brown eyes while my unruly hair matches my mind, tangled.
Thin heels click against the tile, my eyes pan to mom who is trudging through in a hurry, still clamping in her earrings. "Hey you two, I'm heading out now. Call me if you need anything," she looks between us. "And I know you're an adult but let's not be in the bedroom alone," she adds, and I bury my hands in my blushing face. She laughs as she walks out of the door.
Pierce leans up against the counter, a mischievous grin set on his face. "You really have to clarify 'anything’."
"Umm, is it lunch?" I look around the room for a clock "I'm not even sure what time it is," I admit.
"It's breakfast," he replies.
"Pancakes and a cup of coffee sound amazing," I smile, wondering if he can cook.
"Any toppings?"
"I think we have some strawberries!" I exclaim as I flip my head over to tie my hair with a scrunchie. I lift up to catch Pierce watching me, his head tilted. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I ask as he grabs my hand and brings it up to his lips, he gently places kisses on the tips of each finger as he continues to stare into my eyes. Making me blush fervently.
"You’re just so beautiful in the morning, I had to admire you."
I let out a small laugh. "Okay, maybe you need some sleep. And I need some coffee." I stumble over to the coffee maker and impatiently stare at it while it drips, desperately needing the fuel. I fill my mug to the brim with the hot, bitter liquid.
The sound of plates being sat down catches my attention, and I turn to see Pierce’s back leaned against the bar top. A vast selection of pastries, crepes, and a clear mug filled with a frothy mixture that looks like a latte is laid out behind him. I set my boring coffee down and sit at the table in awe.
He gestures towards the items as he speaks. "Strawberries and Cream Crepes, a ton of pastries, and a French Vanilla Latte."
I can’t help but bend down to smell the array of sweet scents. Fresh from the brewer, and too hot to drink, I simply perk up by breathing in the aromatic aroma of the latte. "Where did you go?" I ask.
"Paris." He shrugs.
"Oh my God! Pierce, this is incredible! I told you to stop spending money on me but, wow." My eyes pan over the assortment and unable to wait another second I cup the warm mug in my hands, bringing it to my lips. The creamy liquid slides down my sore throat and I moan because of the rich taste, it's nothing like the store brand coffee I'm used to. "This is delicious!" I squeal.
"Glad you like it. You deserve something good after what you've gone through." He frowns.
"So what's it like?" I ask, digging my fork into the creamy crepe.
"Paris is beautiful.”
"No, the teleport thingy you do. What's it like to go wherever you want?" I ask, peeling a flaky corner from a pastry and taking a bite.
"Oh, well. It's hard to explain, but when I'm gone it feels like seconds to you but it's much longer for me, when you flipped to pull your hair up, I left and placed the order. I came back and talked to you for a moment before returning quickly when you got up to get your coffee." He smiles. "I didn't want to risk you taking a sip of that." He gestures. "When I can give you this."
"Thank you," I say with my mouth full. "But is this safe?" I gesture towards the food. Suddenly chewing slower.
"Yes. I’ll be able to tell now. I saw the chefs preparing it and none of them had ill intentions," he replies, sitting down beside me to dig in. "But in general, I wouldn't take any food from outside your house unless I am there with you. Trust anything here unless someone you don't know comes to visit. I will watch over you as much as possible, but you can't take food from strangers."
"Okay, mom," I joke.
"I'm serious," he states, and I plop a dollop of cream on his nose to soften his hard edges, it works. His emerald eyes widen in disbelief, and he returns the funny gesture by doing the same to me, and then licking it off my cheek. After last night I didn't expect to feel so good, so alive. I thank Pierce for that.
We both enjoy the rich crepes and sweet pastries together and I realize I may need to just rest today; I really need to think about what I'm going to do with my job. I love working there but it's more difficult now.
I look at the empty plate as I clutch my full stomach. "You have to take these dishes back," I joke.
"I will, I promise." He crosses his heart.