Jonathan

After sending a quick text to Izzy to let her know I'm on my way I pull out onto the freeway and drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The quiet streets closer to home are a welcome change from the hectic zoo I spent my day in.

Coming home to the lights on is a nice change from how I've been living for quite some time. For far too many years I've focused only on work, moving often, living out of suitcases in hotels or an empty house. Mouth watering aromas greet me the moment I walk through the door, reassuring me I've made the right choice.

Izzy is flitting between the stove and sink, smiling softly to herself as she works away. Her raven locks are tucked into a neat French braid that hangs to the middle of her back and she's wearing simple black leggings with an oversized sweater hanging off her shoulder.  She looks truly happy in the kitchen and jumps in surprise having caught me leaning up against the doorway.

"Hi," she says breathlessly, flashing me a sheepish smile. "Dinners ready, why don't you take a seat and I'll be right there."

I can't hold back my smile at her flustered state but do as she asks, taking a seat at the head of the table where she set the place. A frown takes hold as I notice she only set one place.

"Aren't you eating?" I ask as she sets a beautiful salad in front of me.

"I've already eaten," she mumbles, hastily returning to the fridge. Something about her behaviour doesn't sit right with me.

Salads are not a key dish for me but if they were all like this I wouldn't complain. Mixed greens, crisp flavourful vegetables, sweet cherry tomatoes and a tangy dressing make for arguably the best salad I've ever had.

Just as I finish, she swaps my empty plate for one loaded with penne and a garlic breadstick. The first bite confirms what my eyes and nose already know, that it is equally on par with most restaurants I've been to.

"Izzy this is delicious!" I call, trying to get her attention. "Where did you learn how to cook?"

She blushes at my praise and walks over topping up my glass of water before taking a seat. She smiles brightly, watching me eat.

"I taught myself, my mom wasn't much into cooking so I watched PBS and youtube and learned. I was cooking by the time I was ten?" She muses as her eyes cloud over, deep in thought. Her smile falters but she hides the slip quickly.

"I'm beyond impressed," I admit honestly, taking another bite.

"I wasn't sure what to make, but I figured everyone likes pasta..." she trails off biting her lip.

"Do we have any red wine to go with this?" I ask. The right wine would just finish this perfectly. Izzy drops her gaze and shakes her head. "That's ok, I'll pick up something for next time."

I get up and head to the fridge looking to add a bit more cheese but Izzy jumps up, eyes wide as she stares, barring me from the fridge.

"I'm just going to grab more cheese," I say, offering her a smile as I try and reach past her. Her small frame stays stubbornly in place, making me quirk a brow. "Izzy?"

Her shoulders fall and she sadly steps aside, letting me into the fridge. I'm at a loss by her reaction so pull the fridge door open and look inside. The fridge is nearly bare, save for a few leftover ingredients from dinner.

"Didn't you go shopping today?" I ask, furrowing my brows in confusion.

"Yes," she whispers, staring at the floor.

"Where are the groceries then?" She doesn't speak, just stands hunched and staring at the floor. "Izzy? Answer me," I push, ticking my jaw.

She scurries to the cupboard next to the fridge opening it and revealing a couple spices, a bottle of olive oil and packages of Mr. Noodles. I look over it and settle back on her.

"Where's the rest?" I gape.

"This is it," she whispers.

"Izzy, you had all day, what did you do?" I demand, struggling to keep my voice even.

"The market was almost an hour's walk," she whimpers.

"Walk? Why didn't you call for a cab?" I ask dumbfounded.

"I didn't have enough..." she trails off, still not meeting my gaze.

"That card has no limit Izabella," I grumble, irritation seeping into my words. She shakes her head and sniffs. "There's no way you used up the available funds in one day!"

"I didn't have it," she whimpers. "But I only had twenty seven dollars, I did the best I could." Her lower lip begins to tremble and it's a sucker punch to my gut.

Fuck...

I pull out my wallet and sure enough, the card I meant to leave her is still there. That last minute phone call distracted me and sent me rushing out of the house. I forgot... That nagging feeling as I went to pull out was because I never left her the card I meant to.

"Izzy, why didn't you say something?" I question, lifting her chin.

"I managed," she whispers.

"You never need to use your money for this," I say gesturing to the dinner. "I made a mistake, and part of your job is to call me on my mistakes."

"So you're not mad?" She mumbles, cautiously flicking her gaze up for a moment.

"No, I'm pissed at my own stupidity!" I grumble, feeling like an ass. Not only did I mess up I made her feel bad for something that was completely my fault.

"Here." I pass her the card and close my wallet after grabbing thirty dollars out. "Use this for everything, rides, groceries, take out, whatever you need." She nods and walks over to her purse and slips it in.

"What did you eat then?" I ask, fairly certain of the answer.

"Mr. Noodles."

I grab a plate from the cupboard, dish up the remaining penne, and grab a fork, leading her to the table. She says nothing but takes a seat next to me.

"I'm sorry for getting angry Izzy, I just expect honesty upfront. I hate repeating myself," I sigh, knowing I was an ass and she's just trying her best. "I know it will take some time to get to know each other but it will get easier, I promise."

She flashes me a small smile and picks up her fork and takes a bite. We eat in an easy silence, enjoying the delicious food.

At least I haven't fucked this up too bad yet...