CHAPTER 5: The Book

         Celine kept the doubt. She knew in her heart that she shouldn't ask him. What made Martin look so stressed was probably very personal. And she didn't want to meddle in his personal matters.

         The king-size bed was so wide and comfortable that she was surprised she was able to wake up early. Perhaps it was because of the sunlight that shone through the windows.

She woke up to the smell of the ocean and the gentle breeze from the ajar window. The sound of seagulls chirping was typical for this small town on an island. But then she heard other noises—utensils on pots and pans and something sizzling and boiling from right outside the room. And soon, the smell of the delicious food prompted her to get up from the bed.

As Celine walked into the kitchen, she saw a tall man turned his back on her and cooking. He wore a tight workout outfit showing his athletic figure. She guessed that he had just gone jogging in the morning.

Martin was still wearing wireless headphones. He couldn't have heard her entering the kitchen. But Celine didn't want to disturb him. She just sat at the dining table and waited. Sit and listen to the sound of the sea and this tall man humming as he cooked. However, she also didn't want to act like a psychopath who kept staring at him when he didn't even know it. So, she tried to find some magazine or book and put it in front of her. Hence, once he turned around, they might not feel so awkward.

Unfortunately, there were no magazines around here. She found only hard-to-read books that she had never thought to read on her own...Politics...Economics...Classic literature.

However, one book caught her eyes. Celine chose the literature that she remembered was adapted into a movie. At least she knows some plot and could have a decent conversation if he asks anything about it.

She sat and read the book. Then she saw a phrase written in pitch-black ink on the front page of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

         “May I blatantly copy Lord Henry’s words? Because we both know that…“You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.” – Joe.”

Celine remembered Lord Henry as a character in the book. But what sin did he mean? But her curiosity came to an abrupt pause.

“Oh, since when did you wake up and come to sit here? You’ve made it just in time for breakfast." He greeted.

And then glowing golden-yellow omelets, ham, and salad were placed in front of her. Celine hurriedly closed the book and smiled.

“Oh, you like the book? I can lend you this one, you know. I also got a couple more.” This morning, he seemed to be in a conversational mood.

“Nah… it’s alright. Let’s eat?” She tried to change the subject. That phrase she saw was a small matter that may reveal parts of his life. Although curious, she wouldn’t ask anything. It might not be worth knowing much about him. At least for now.

When she took the first bite, all the questions in her head disappeared.

“Wow, it’s delicious. You are a great cook!”

“Thank you. I never cook for anyone. At first, I was afraid you wouldn’t like it. But anyway...it’s just omelet, if it doesn't taste good, I should reconsider my cooking skill…” He raised his hand to scratch his cheek. If she guessed the gesture right—that might mean he was embarrassed.

“…Don’t think too much about it. I can’t even cook a single dish.” She confessed.

“Have you tried?”

“I have. Boiling water on my hand that hurt too much, and I don’t dare try again.” He was quiet for a short while after she said that.

“You know, since you stay here for two weeks, I can teach you some simple recipes.” He offered while still eating his own food without looking at her.

“Sure!” But he did look up just in time to see the cheerful smile she had given him for this bright new day.