They did and they enjoyed it, especially making the toffee and using the sugar thermometer.
‘It’s like science class but fun,’ said Ethan.
‘When do you go back to school?’ asked Christa. ‘Aren’t you missing out on lots?’
Seth shrugged. ‘School schmool. School is for suckers.’
‘Who told you that?’ asked Christa surprised.
‘Joe Pesci,’ said Ethan.
‘You know Joe Pesci?’
‘No, he was in a movie we watched last night –My Cousin Vinny,’ said Seth.
Christa was totally confused but let it go. It wasn’t her business why the boys weren’t at school and Marc didn’t seem to be worrying about it at all.
Now Christa sat next to Marc at the table, and she felt acutely aware of his leg next to hers. She imagined pressing her knee against his, wondering if he would push back and the thought of it gave her butterflies.
The boys took a second slice of cake into the sitting room to eat it and watch television, leaving the adults at the table.
‘Paul, I was going to ask a favour of you,’ said Marc.
Christa noticed Paul looked slightly terrified.
‘Yes?’
‘Can you organise some decorations for the house? The tree looks so alone in its glory without any of the extra trimmings around the house. I think you could do a great job. I mean, you know about that stuff. I know you won’t do anything garish. I’m thinking traditional style you know?’
Paul gasped. ‘Shut the front door, you didn’t just ask me that?!’
Marc glanced at Christa who raised her eyebrows at him as she swallowed a piece of cake.
‘He did just ask that,’ she confirmed.
‘Yes!’ Paul clapped.
‘Not tacky,’ Marc reminded him.
‘I am the very pinnacle of taste and class. I once convinced Lady Gaga to not decorate her house in the style of the catacombs with real skulls and to instead install a rainforest spa complete with a wall of rare moss flown in from South America. “Always choose life over death”, I said to her. It really lifted her spirits.’
Christa burst out laughing. ‘I don’t know if you’re serious or not, but I do love Lady Gaga.’
‘She’s divine – you’d love her,’ said Paul eating more cake. ‘You will need to stop making desserts like this though, otherwise I will be eligible to fit into the Santa suit for Christmas Day.’
‘Shush,’ said Christa. ‘None of that, I don’t like diet talk in my kitchen. Do you feel hungry right now?’
Paul paused. ‘I do. It’s the cold weather.’
‘So, eat the cake, and when you feel full, which your body will tell you, don’t eat any more.’
Marc looked at her. ‘Not a fan of diets?’
Christa wasn’t sure if he was being rude or serious. She knew she was curvy but she was fine with her body.
‘I don’t like diet culture. I like intuitive eating. If you know what your body needs then eat it. Eat when you’re hungry and give it nutritious food. A slice of cake isn’t something we have every day but when we do we should make sure we enjoy it.’
‘My ex-wife would disagree with you. She’s the food police for the boys, and for herself. So many rules about food and always new diets.’
