The aroma of lemon-butter and seared salmon filled the open-plan kitchen, a scent that felt far more expensive than any takeout Jake had ever shared in a cramped apartment. Catharine moved with a surprising grace between the professional-grade stove and the marble island, plating the fish alongside roasted asparagus and a side of garlic-infused quinoa.
She looked at him, her eyes bright with a mixture of pride and nerves as she slid a plate toward him. "Well? Don't just stare at the presentation. I didn't spend forty minutes navigating that induction cooktop for it to go cold."
Jake took a deliberate bite, rolling the flavors around before his expression went flat. He chewed slowly, then set his fork down with a heavy sigh. "Cath, I have some bad news."
Her smile faltered instantly. "What? Is it too salty? I knew I shouldn't have trusted that imported sea salt."
