Artificial Mates - Chapter 44

I have no idea how it happened. Correction, I know exactly how. The sync. Ah! Why? I wiped the condensation on the mirror above the sink.

“Can’t you hurry up, instead of talking to yourself,” called Demos behind the bathroom door. I swear I’ll never get used to this. With my towel hanged around me as I stared at my face in the mirror. I couldn’t say that I wasn’t happy or sad, I guess the shock hasn’t subsided yet.

“Liliane we are growing impatient here,” he knocked repeatedly on the door. I sighed and got into my only black dress and slipped on a pair of sandals then fixed my hair. Since I used to just let it fall on my shoulder I decided to tighten it in a ponytail for a change. With a light touch of blush and red lipstick, I was done. I retrieved my glasses to ruin the look. I smiled at myself satisfied to be average.

“Can’t you stop pulling yourself down and open the damn door,” sighed Demos. He tilted his head at me when I opened it. A slow smile stretched across his face.

“Not bad,” he got closer placing his hands on my waist to kiss me. But I quickly pushed him away.

“Wait a second! I don’t want you smudging my lipstick,” he blinked at me like I was insane for denying him a kiss. I walked passed him to the living room where Grant greeted me with a whistle.

“I like it, Liliane. You look stunning,” smiled Grant while clapping. He came closer to get a better look. “This black dress really suits you and the hair,” I always find it hard to accept a simple compliment I felt like people were exaggerating.

“Stop it, no need to put too much icing on the cake,” I rolled my eyes at him. Grant pouted dropping his beautiful smile.

“But, I like how you look. Is it wrong to said how much I like it?” I waved him away and sat at the dinner table.

“Not all women can take a compliment. We tend to think it’s fake or the person wants something from us…usually s.e.x,” I added dryly.

“Hey! I wanted to pull your chair and help you sit! And I didn’t say you’re pretty cause I want to have s.e.x with you…Well, hopefully, I would like that especially now that we are official,” I gasped at his comment. Demos came to join us at the table, he sat on my left and Grant on my right.

“We’re not forcing you, we’ll go at your pace,” added Demos. Somehow the conversation stirred in dangerous territories. How the hell, am I going to have s.e.x with….shit! two persons. OK, Liliane calm the f.u.c.k down. Breathe! Don’t think about it.

-We take turns

No f.u.c.k.i.n.g way did I heard that right. I didn’t dare look up. I was sure my face was bright red.

-Ears are red too

“Shut up! This is supposed to be a romantic dinner! How did the conversation escalate into a plan for a threesome? Oh my god! I said it. I can’t believe I’ve actually said it. This is insane,” Grant leaned towards me and rubbed my arm to calm me. It had the reverse result. Goosebumps rose up my exposed arm. Grant yanked his hand away like he was zapped. He cleared his throat and got up.

“Mm, dinner let’s eat. Well, you will. I’ve cooked biryani, I got the recipe from my friend in apartment 2903. His owner is an Indian chef in a big restaurant. He helped me with the cooking. He is also the one who lent me the table and chairs,” Grant took the cover off the little copper recipient. A sweet-spicy aroma floated out making my mouth watered.

“This is cute,” I pointed to the pot. Grant took a plate and pour yellow-colored rice and spices along with a piece of chicken on my plate.

“Atish said it’s called a deg or degchi. I think in Mauritian Creole its called a deksi. Anyway, biryani is a dish from India and it’s very popular especially served on wedding ceremonies,” I burst out into uncontrollable laughed. Oh my god, that’s so cute.

“Please don’t tell me you’ve got me a ring,” Demos twitched on his seat. He fished a small box from his pocket and placed it on the table. I was speechless, I hid my opened mouth with my hands. This was not happening.

“Open it,” he tipped his chin at the box. I gave Grant a peek for approval. He smiled at me and nodded. With trembling hand, I reached for the small black box. It popped open when I pressed the front. Inside the red velvet casting, was a slim golden ban. Even this skinny ring must has cost them a fortune. A tear stung my eyes. I can’t believe they got me a ring.

“Guys,” my voice came out choked with emotions. I took the ring and slipped it on my left hand, it fitted perfectly. I laughed at the sight. This was unreal. I laced my fingers together and brought it to m lips. I was so happy I might explode. Happy tears rolled down my cheek. My plate was placed in front of me. Grant lit tiny candles around the room, it added to the magic of the moment.

“Liliane,” Demos reached his hand across the table and Grant took my left one in his. Then he closed the triangle by holding Demos’ hand. “Let’s push the setting to 10%,” he said with a very serious face. I frowned at him, it wasn’t what I was expecting. Still, I nodded with a smile. This night was surely full of surprises. So long for the love declaration.

“Ok. But first, let’s eat that webbing feast,” Grant pulled me in his arms and kissed my cheek. Demos chuckled and did the same. My stomach groaned in protest. “Guys! Get off me. The beast in my stomach is asking for food. This smells divine. I’ll have to thank your friends,” I got my spoon and dug in. There was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. I died and went to culinary heaven. They both watched me with delight as I woofed down my plate. I was ready for a second serving when Grant got up.

“There’s dessert!” my eyes lit up. Damn those two will be the death of me. I’ll get so fat from all this love. Demos bent over the table choking with laughter. Artificial humor was a mystery to me. He looked up with a grin.

“Don’t worry I’ll train with you to help you stay fit,” I rolled my eyes skywards. Like I could do that? Me? I’ll find all kinds of excuses in the world to get my way out of any activity that involved sweating. With his elbow on the table, he rested his face in his hand.

“Really? Everything involving sweating?” that was definitely s.e.x.u.a.l. Grant came back with a pie. I escaped to admired the delicious pastry. I rubbed my hands together.

“Quit flirting,” he scolded us. The moment that slice of pie hit my plate, Demos disappeared from my mind. I dug my fork into the smooth texture of the apples. Cut a piece and brought it to my lips. I closed my eyes savoring it as it melted on my tongue. Damn, I love sugar. I could taste a hint of vanilla behind the caramelized apples and the crunchy crust. The biryani was divine, however, this was the meeting with my maker. A cosmic journey through taste. Gastronomic mediation. What the f.u.c.k am I even thinking?

“Ok, I think we’ve lost Liliane. She is not making any sense,” laughed Demos on my side breaking my perfect degustation focus. I looked up from my plate.

“Food is sacred, it’s a mystical experience,” I said. They laughed louder. Ok, I think I’ll never get artificial humor.

“You’re so different when you eat,” smiled Grant. “That’s why I like to cook for you,” he studied me. My cheeks flushed and I shoved another piece of cake in my mouth.

“When you eat you’re honest, I like that,” commented Demos. He gave me a big happy smile. My insides were melting from too many feelings. My eyes dropped to my left ring-finger. The gold ban sparkled in the orange candlelight.

“Thank you for making my life this wonderful,” I whispered as I looked up at them.