Something Special by Littlewing 1957 (A Slice of Life)
Jack had trouble finding the spices, but the ground lamb was available at the every butcher’s shop in Childress. He loved preparing exotic meals for Ennis. The first night of a “fishing trip” was always special for Jack. He was so delighted to see his lover after all the months apart that he always prepared something special in the kitchen, as well as the bedroom.
Jack asked Ennis to relax in the living room while he cooked. Tonight he would prepare Fried Lamb Burgers: a Middle Eastern recipe he found in one of Lureen’s cookbooks. He copied the recipe to a notebook, which was open; face up, on the kitchen counter. Jack placed a generous amount of ground lamb into a large, steel bowl. He mixed in fresh chopped parsley, onion, garlic, salt, 2 eggs, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, coriander and white flour. After the lamb was mixed with the spices and flour, Jack separated the meat into 2 gigantic patties. He poured 2 tablespoons full of sesame oil into a large skillet and added the patties while the oil was still cool. He didn’t want a lot of burning and splatter.
The scent from the kitchen was so heavenly that Ennis stopped putting away toiletries in the medicine cabinet to go investigate. The meat smelled so good, so exotic that he had to see what Jack was cooking. But once inside the well-stocked kitchen, Jack shooed him out.
“Now, now, Cowboy!” Jack said as he ushered Ennis back out of the kitchen. “You’re about to ruin the surprise. I’ll call you for supper when it’s ready!” Jack kissed Ennis tenderly and turned to go check on the meat. When the burgers were done, Jack placed each one on a French roll, and garnished the plates with parsley. The baked potatoes were warming in the oven, and the wine was chilled. Jack was so excited to serve such a meal to his lover. Ennis had the table all set when Jack exited the kitchen holding 2 plates piled high with fried lamb burgers, and baked potatoes. Jack kissed Ennis’ cheek as he placed his plate in front of him. He filled the wine glasses and sat down to his burger.
Ennis, intrigued by the aroma of the burgers, and quite hungry, picked up the sandwich and took a bite. Jack couldn’t eat until he saw Ennis’ reaction. Jack watched as his lover chewed slowly, eyes closed.
“You..you like it, Friend?” Jack asked tentatively, nervously. Ennis didn’t answer at first, but continued to chew. He took another bite as Jack watched.
“Well?” Jack asked.
“Jack, what is this? I haven’t tasted anything like this!” It is sooo good!” Jack sighed audibly and told him all about the dish. Ennis looked at his man in awe. He was always amazed at the things Jack did to spoil him. They ate in silence and finished off an entire bottle of wine. After dinner Ennis was mellow from good food, fine wine, amazing company. He pulled Jack onto his lap and cuddled him. He held him so tight, and Jack returned the embrace.
“Is this all, Bud?” Ennis asked as he kissed Jack’s jaw. “You said you had something else planned for me..for us?” Jack smiled shyly and returned Ennis’ kiss.
“Yeah, friend. I have a few things for you, for us in my duffle bag. You sit here now and I’ll be back. Just wait and see…