Edward Harper worked swiftly, quickly preparing the beef brisket. He blanched it in cold water and then fished it out, placing it in the stew pot along with the prepped tomatoes. The entire process was so practiced, it seemed like he had done it a thousand times before.
Wearing an apron, Edward busied himself in the kitchen, while Clara leaned against the counter quietly watching him.
Edward cooked the rice and washed the greens. After cutting them up, everything was ready—waiting only for the brisket to finish cooking so that the greens could be quickly stir-fried for dinner.
Only after washing his hands did Edward notice Clara and realize she'd been observing him all this time.
"Clara, are you hungry already?"
Clara spoke her mind,
"Not really hungry, but watching you cook is quite pleasing to the eye."
Edward propped his hands on his hips, glanced down at the apron hanging on him, and teased,
"What kind of peculiar hobby is this? Apron fetish?"