Pisces: From Behind That Locked Door by Pepper Espinoza

There was apparently no way of knowing.
    "Nobody ever taught you?"
    "Nope. Not really. My parents both worked swing shift my whole life, so they were gone from two to eleven, five days a week. I stayed with my grandmother, but she was a terrible cook, so we usually ate frozen dinners or went out for McDonald's. Then when I was old enough to look after myself and make my own meals, I never really went far beyond that."
    "Your parents always worked that shift? When did you ever see them?"
    "The summer, and weekends. Though they were usually busy with errands or whatever they couldn't get to during the week. I don't think I ever tried anything more complicated than frying eggs until I moved into my own place. Who taught you to cook?"
    "My mom showed me the basics, but besides that, too many people to even count. I've always been interested in it, so I just started asking people to show me their favorite recipes. My friends' parents, teachers at school, coworkers, other students. I figure everybody has one really interesting recipe that they've developed in their life. Plus, they would show me the little tips and tricks they've picked up over the years." Stephen laid the flat of his knife against a clove of garlic and smashed it with the heel of his hand. "Like that."
    "Why didn't you go to culinary school or get a job at a restaurant or something?"
    "Because it's a hobby. I enjoy the hell out of it, but I don't think I'm cut out to work in an actual professional kitchen. I'm happy cooking for myself and my friends."
    "Are you still asking people to show you recipes?"
    "Always. That's going to be the great quest of my life. Honestly, it's amazing I was able to get away from the farmer's market so quickly. I usually fall into long conversations about the best way to prepare squash, and which tomato would be best for a certain dish. But I didn't want to be late."
    Jay paused, looking up from the potatoes to study Stephen's face. His brows were furrowed with concentration as his clever fingers peeled the papery garlic skin away. Jay lost track as he watched Stephen smash and peel the strong smelling garlic. He might have stared at Stephen like that for the rest of the night if the object of his attention hadn't asked, "How are those potatoes coming?"
    "Oh, good. Almost done here."
    Jay wasn't almost done, so he buckled down and forced himself to concentrate. It was difficult because the kitchen was quickly filling with the smell of Stephen's cologne and garlic--a strangely sharp and pungent smell that made Jay's mouth water. He didn't even care about dinner. He wanted to kiss Stephen's neck and gather up the smell until it made him dizzy.
    "I can't even eat frozen food anymore. Or anything from a box, really," Stephen commented.
    "So does that mean you make all your own food? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner?"
    "I eat out a lot now because I don't want that damned stove to blow me to kingdom come. But I prefer to do my own cooking. It tastes better, for one thing. And for another, I know what I'm actually eating. All the preservatives and sugar they use kind of grosses me out. I like to know where my food came from and what's in it."
    "I've honestly never thought that much about it."
    "Well, here I am to broaden your horizons. Now, we're going to be using all of this to make something like a casserole. It'll have the potatoes and lamb and these herbs and a simple sauce. How do you feel about spicy food?"
    "I like a bit of heat."
    Stephen grinned. "Good. Me, too."
    Stephen explained everything as he worked. He reminded Jay of Paula Deen or Rachael Ray, except in Jay's opinion, Stephen was clearly more talented than either of them combined. He was almost as good as Alton Brown. He had an easy, conversational way of speaking, and Jay listened attentively, eager to learn these things because it was Stephen who told him. He doubted he would ever have reason to use the tips. That would require spending a good deal more time in the kitchen than