"Part 2: Enchanted Cherries"
Maggie made her way to Xavier's front door at precisely 7:00 PM. Her nerves had been both soothed and amplified by Elene's excitement for her, which seemed to be a mix of Margaret's delight and her own satisfaction at having a new piece of gossip. And why should Margaret disagree with that?
As she climbed the steps, the door opened. Xavier smiled somewhat apologetically and said, "There are no surprises on a farm - the herding dogs alert me when someone is approaching. But still, I'm pleased you chose to visit. Please come inside."
Margaret stepped into the house, and some of her trepidation gave way to joy as she took in the space. She was used to men's apartments appearing functional to the point of personality-free, but the blend of the old house with Xavier's recent modifications created a harmonious mix of character. It was a combination of old and new, and undeniably loved: clean and alive.
Xavier announced, "You'll find slippers in the hallway and a bathroom as well. I'll be in the kitchen!"
Margaret removed her shoes and slipped on a pair of slippers. She followed his voice.
As expected, the kitchen was the highlight of the place. Abundant with pots and pans, and sporting modern appliances chosen to blend seamlessly with the original architecture. Windows showcased the vineyard and orchard on two sides, and the sun still sparkled on the greenery as she entered the room.
Xavier remarked playfully, "Ordinarily, I'd greet you properly in French, but my focus on this meal demands my full attention. But please, join me for a glass of wine if you'd like."
Margaret accepted the glass he offered, savoring its dark red hue.
To himself, Xavier was puzzled by the invitation of this American woman for dinner and more than suspicious that Elene had sent her in the first place. However, Elene's ability to choose well made him consider there might be more to her than just meddling. The task of rebuilding the farm was gratifying, but sometimes disconnected from the enjoyment of seeing people savoring the farm's produce. And Margaret was an intriguing window into that satisfaction. That's why he was there.
Margaret's first sip of the wine refocused him on their kitchen surroundings.
"Wow, this wine is like having a row of cherry trees in my mouth, but not in a syrupy way. It's just lovely." she remarked.
"Thanks. This is a tannat, a grape native to the area. I've experimented with it since the farm already had decades-old vines of it. Check out the vines to the left of the orchard from the window."
Margaret surveyed the field, turning back to Xavier to find him by the stove. The kitchen was filled with delightful aromas, and a bowl of freshly pitted cherries sat on the counter. "Oh my, it seems all my cherry fantasies are coming true tonight!"
Xavier laughed, taking note of the undertones in that comment. "In a culture where I'm rarely presented with someone so passionate about flavor, I thought it only right to honor the occasion. I'll be preparing a local favorite, stuffed duck breast with fresh cherry sauce. And, of course, potatoes cooked in the duck fat, so we don't squander any of those delectable flavors."
Margaret's nerves waned with the playful banter, and something else started to awaken within her. There was something about witnessing this man perform a task with mastery and devotion...the teasing comments only complimented the overall experience.
As the duck fat started to bubble, Xavier shifted his focus to the vacant saucepan beside it. He poured in honey and vinegar there to begin the cherry sauce, mixing them together. "This cherry sauce is one of my favorites with the duck. It's both rich and tangy. The mixture of the caramelized cherry juice and the duck's salty gaminess is just pure indulgence. With your reaction to the cheese and jam, I thought you might find this combination particularly enjoyable," Xavier said.
Maggie blushed and noted how his susceptibility to flavors seemed to spill over into other areas too. She agreed, gazing straight into his eyes as she said, "Honestly, I'm already enjoying it, and it's not even in my mouth yet. So I think you might be right."
Laughing, Xavier refocused his attention on the stove. He added broth and wine to the sauce for reduction, then flipped the duck breasts onto the other side. While waiting, he pulled some duck fat from the pan to finish cooking the potatoes he had pre-boiled before Maggie arrived.
The air was filled with a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet scents. Maggie sipped her glass of wine as she enjoyed the environment, letting herself soak in the absurd goodness of the scenario. She stood up, moving to the counter adjacent to Xavier, giving him a better view as he added cherries to the sauce and removed the duck from the stove.
Xavier's gaze returned to Maggie as he laid the duck on a wooden cutting board to rest. "We wait a few minutes before slicing it, so that when we cut into it, it's perfectly tender and none of its deliciousness is lost," he said. Maggie noticed the change in speech. "Wouldn't want to rush it and waste the pleasure now, would we?" In response, she gave him a playful, solemn gaze. "Absolutely not. This delicacy must be savored."
Xavier walked back to the stove and served the now-ready potatoes. After slicing the duck, Xavier divided the tender duck breasts onto the potatoes. It was time for the cherry jus.
Prior to pouring the cherry jus onto the duck and potatoes, he tasted it, making sure he approved of the taste. Then he presented a spoonful of the liquid to Maggie, who gleefully enjoyed its taste once it reached her mouth.
Maybe it was a crazy decision to come here on a whim, but she was certainly glad she did.
Running his eyes at her, Xavier smiled. She offered him a look devoid of pretense. "I've never tasted anything like this," Maggie said.
Xavier nodded. "The cherries here are truly special," he replied.
Xavier carried the plates to a table just outside the kitchen, overlooking the vineyard. He pulled out a chair for Maggie. Before starting their meal, he motioned with his glass, saying, "To an American worthy of indulgence" and then pointed to the food, indicating she could begin.
Each bite she took was a discovery. Maggie had no words and could sense Xavier's gaze on her as she experienced the interplay of flavors, detecting faint cries of joy. No wonder people came here for his cherries. She was ready to make them her religion.
Xavier watched, delighted, as he tasted his meal along with Maggie. Her captivated gaze, filled with sheer delight, captured him. He wasn't sure exactly what he'd wanted with her when he invited her over for dinner, but his body knew now. Their natural back-and-forth during cooking, the way she got lost in the food's nuances - Xavier wanted her. As their eyes locked over the food, he sensed the chemistry between them.
He hadn't been sure about his intentions with her when he invited her for dinner, but his body communicated clearly now. Their banter throughout the cooking process and her immersion in the meal's flavors - he desired her, and he sensed she felt it, too.
Read also:
- Yes, Darling
- Chapter 7: Missing Spouse in the Andean Region
- Recruitment Specialist Chapter 9
- Madam Inanna's Life in FLR Continues: Part 2
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