David's Sling 03

"What's your schedule tomorrow?" he asked without even looking up from the newspaper he's reading.

"Nothing specific. Why?" I asked too.

David then put the paper down and with a mischievous smile on his lips said, "Janice is coming over for dinner. I'm cooking."

I stared at David long and hard. I let out a deep breath. "That's my cue. All right, I'll spend the night over at wherever. I hope you'll have a great time with her."

"No! I want you to be here for dinner, too. So you'll meet Janice. Come home early."

"David, I know Janice back and bones. I can even write a book of your love story. Of how Janice opened your eyes and made you commune and appreciate nature. And from the pictures you've been showing me, I can also point her out from a crowd if ever I saw just her head."

"But I'll be cooking again!" David half shouted the last word.

"And I'm happy for you," I said. To my surprise, I was sincere saying it.

McDonald's became my best buddy, and Starbucks my wish grantor for almost 6 months because David hasn't been cooking since he and Emilie parted ways. He also became a private property of his room. And tonight, the backpack-sporting adventure-seeking cave-and-mountain-exploring lean and tan Janice had brought back David's flavors and spices.

"I'll try to change my mind. Thanks for the invite anyway."

"I need you to be there, Sarah. I miss the way you criticize my dish after your third serving."

A slow smile spread across David's eager face and I was mesmerized all over again. And the "zing!" was back. I could feel a sweet tingling down my spine as he earnestly said, "I miss you most of all."