"I'm fine." I suppressed the fleeting thought that raced through my mind. I wasn't sure if others also wore those rosy red diving suits. After all, we weren't the only couples out on the waves.
I was fine; my palm just needed some medical attention. The yacht was equipped with a first-aid kit, and Russel carefully treated my wound and bandaged it up.
By the time we had finished, it was time for lunch. Karina proposed, "Neil, why don't we prepare lunch here with Ms. Finch and her partner? What do you think?"
She and Neil had caught some fresh seafood, which she'd brought on deck.
"Let's just head back to the hotel," Russel declined quickly.
But I agreed, "It's okay. Let's all eat together. My hand is injured, so I might not be much help with the cooking."
Karina laughed off my concern, "No worries. I'll do the cooking. You guys can sample my culinary skills."
Without waiting for a response, she changed into more comfortable clothes and began preparing the meal.
I sat quietly, watching Karina hustle about. The open-air kitchen on the deck was well-equipped, and Karina seemed to handle everything with ease. Her skills suggested she cooked frequently.
She had been living abroad with her child, and given her affection for the child, it didn't surprise me that she'd learned to cook.
"Neil, could you get me some ginger?" Karina asked gently.
"Sure." Neil had never been much of a cook, but he seemed to be doing fine as Karina's assistant, handling tasks like washing the vegetables.
Russel sat next to me, not moving unless Karina called him over.
"Why did you put that in so soon?" Karina suddenly asked, sounding both amused and slightly exasperated.
Neil looked surprised, "Wasn't it time to put it in?"
"We need to wait until the oil is hot. You're so sharp at work, but still a bit clueless in the kitchen," Karina sounded both frustrated and fond. "I remember the first time you made me eggs. You put them in before the oil was hot. The taste was... well, it wasn't great, but I've found myself missing that taste over the years."
So, the first time he cooked wasn't for me. I laughed to myself and turned to admire the sea, tuning out their conversation.
Suddenly, I felt Russel take my hand, asking, "Does it hurt much?".
It did hurt a little, but it was bearable. I nodded, "Yeah, but it's okay. Don't worry."
Karina overheard and teased, "Russel, are you feeling heartbroken? Seeing your wife's hand injured, wish the wound was on you instead?"
She always made a point of highlighting Russel and my relationship, presumably to remind Neil of his current status. But she was overthinking. Neil had already chosen her, which meant his feelings for her were still strong.
Russel tightened his grip on my hand slightly, "Yes, it hurts. I should've taken better care of her."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled