Veronica promised to never drink again. She didn't drink that much but she had a headache and was hoping no one would send her on any errands.
"Here" She looked up to Ahmad holding some pills
"I know you probably have a massive headache so I thought some pain killers would come in handy. I'm surprised you didn't call off work."
"Thank you Mr. Tate. and yes, I do have a headache I'm honestly shocked I only took 3 shots and a glass of wine." She shrugged as if that was nothing.
"I'm surprised you don't look exhausted as I do I mean you drank some as well."
"I actually don't drink only for special occasions I only took a shot the rest was water you thought it was vodka." he chuckled.
"Oh" She face palmed "So you wanted me to suffer alone"
"When you put it like that, I almost feel bad."
They both laughed at that.
"However, I'm still interested on taking you on your offer."
"Offer what offer?" She asked puzzles she could only remember so much.
"The cook off, wow I'm surprised you don't remember. You were telling me how you were the best cook I have yet to believe it."
Veronica was intrigued yet she felt stupid, how could she not remember saying that to him and the fact that he accepted the offer surprised her even more.
"Well, I can't wait to knock the taste buds off of you I'm an excellent chef and I can't wait to toot my horn when I win."
"I look forward to it miss Calhoun Saturday 6pm your house."
She nodded in agreement.
—————-
Saturday came around and Veronica almost forgot the plan until Ahmad texted her, she didn't even have his number saved due to never needing to use it.
Her house was always tidy, but she decided a little more tidying won't hurt anyone.
She already knew what she was making she wanted to make something cultural from her home country Nigeria but wasn't sure on how he would react to it and instead went the safe way and was gonna make some soul food.
5:45 came and she heard a knock on the door
That couldn't be him he is early.
Making her way to the door she checked the peephole to see indeed that it was Ahmad. She opened the door for him and analyzed how good he looked.
"Good evening miss Calhoun"
"Good evening Mr. Tate, welcome to my home."
"Thank you I brought some red wine didn't want to come empty handed."
"Thank you this would go nicely with my winning meal."
She excused herself from the door allowing him in
"So, this is my living room my kitchen is just over there as well. All we have to do is wash our hands and get started."
"So, what are you going to make I stocked up on ingredients and seasoning."
"Oh, and to think I bought some ingredients in case you didn't have any."
"To answer your question, I'm making my famous rice and peas with curry goat."
"You're Jamaican?"
"Yeah, how did you know"
"Well, I was born in the Uk and my mom was friends with a lot of Jamaicans and the curry goat was always my favourite."
"Well, what are you planning to make."
"Originally I was planning on some soul food because I didn't know how you would react to my cultural food, but I'll start you off with the basics.
"Which is"
"Jollof rice and fried rice with some chicken"
"I haven't had that before."
"What, oh well my good sir you are in for a treat."
"We will see about that then don't ruin the food I haven't even tried yet for me."
"May the best cultural food win." She said lifting her hand for a handshake.
"Deal."
—————-
After the both of them made their own cultural food, they set the dinner table before bringing the dishes to each other."
"I must say your presentation is nice makes me feel like I'm in a restaurant." She grinned while looking down at her food."
"I could say the same thing and it smells amazing might I add."
"Now it's time for the judgment." Veronica said with a playful serious face."
Both of them dug into their food and without thinking Veronica moaned at the food in delight the food would make your mouth water, that's how good it was.
Ahmad did a sly smirk he knew his food was good but the way she moaned almost made him hard instantly he had to be careful around her. But he did have to admit her food was delicious, he had to give him props the flavour was in the right places and the food was extra extra spicy, which he enjoyed.
"What is the seasoning you added in here I saw you when you included it, I just didn't see the name." He was very curious it complimented the food very much.
" You mean the Maggi cubes, it's a traditional seasoning we use in Africa not everyone knows about it which I think is for the better. She giggled while sipping on the wine he brought her.
" I think it is safe to say we call this war a tie."
Veronica laughed while nodding in agreement.
——
Veronica lit up her fireplace and put some jazz music specifically Duke Ellington.
"Wow I haven't seen one of those in a long time."
"Yeah, it belonged to my dad, we would always just sit and listen to Duke Ellington and just talk, those were our favourite moments."
"How long ago did your dad pass?"
"5 years ago, mom and I took it hard, but she took it extra hard since she lost the love of her life. I try to be there for her and show her all the love I can give her."
She poured them both some wine, handing one to him
" Sorry I forgot you don't drink; would you like anything instead"
"No, I think I can allow myself this drink this is a good moment."
They both sat on her carpet just listening to music
"If you could have one thing in the world, what would you want." she asked due to her being in deep thought.
"Freedom. "He replied without hesitance.
She looked at him, it was obvious there was a hidden message in that statement, all she could do was nod and eventually he would go into more detail.
"You?"
"Confidence"
This time it was Ahmad's turn to look at her he didn't get how this spectacular woman could want confidence when she practically bathed with confidence, he wanted to show her and tell her in many ways and could only hope one day he could.
"When I was younger, I was sheltered from a lot of things due to my parents not wanting me to be with a bad crowd or just anything negative. But they couldn't prevent it from happening in school. I had really bad acne when I was younger. It was horrible I got called egg yolk or miss pop a lot due to the spots I had. I used to beg my parents to let me wear a mask or would secretly wear a costume mask. I know it's when I was a kid but sometimes when I look in the mirror, I see that same girl who used to always cry behind clothes doors and would think she was ugly. It didn't help that my last boyfriends only wanted me for my body. My second boyfriend yet he was my first love back in uni he told me. All he had to do was say all the things I desperately wanted to hear, and he Could make say or do anything he wants."
She slowly wiped a stray tear from her eye.
"He took my virginity the previous day before after I had told him so many times how special it was to me. I cried endlessly that night."
"Oh, sorry we are supposed to be enjoying our night and hear I am giving you a sob story" she laughed while downing her wine.
Ahmad sighed " I won't lie and say all men are good we really aren't hell I have slept with woman once and never again." He shrugged while exhaling a breath.
"But" He grabbed her chin with his hand making her look directly at him.
"You are beautiful Veronica, and you are sexy and your fun and relaxing person to be around during these past two weeks I must admit having you work by my side has been interesting and quite entertaining." He said with a smile.
She chuckled "I guess you aren't that bad either I definitely didn't think I would have a cook off with my boss.
They both laughed at the scenery. Ahmad grabbed her chin stroking her lip as she looked at his eyes what wonderful honey eyes he had. None of them knew they were leaning into each other until both their lips brushed against each other. Ahmad pulled back searching her eyes for hesitance but when he says the seductive look in her eyes, he brought her close to him smashing his lips passionately against hers.