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"She's a great assistant," he said, shaking his head as he stirred his sauce, "but she's only an assistant." I was certain she could still hear him but she didn't look back. "Not like you."
"I'm nothing special?—“
"Nonsense. If the Magnolia has decided to accept you, then you're pure enough."
I blinked at him, uncertain what he meant. He pointed towards the cupboards to his right. "Do you mind pulling out some plates? This is just about finished."
“She’s in love with me.” Tucker said after Grace shut the door behind her, setting down a bottle of red wine as I set out two place settings. The dining room was large and spacious, with beautiful aged, bronze furnishings and a soft candle chandelier. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the same feelings. I’ve tried to let her down gently but,” he shrugged and gave me a sad smile, “she refuses to listen. So I have to be a little more firm.”
“I see.”
"Please, sit,” he pulled out my chair, and I sat while he served me. I watched him curiously.
“You’re different than the others.”
“Of course I am,” he rolled his eyes. “They’re brutes. All of them. Don’t know how to woo a woman.”
“And is that what you’re doing?” I asked as he sat. “Trying to woo me?” Somehow, it felt like he wasn’t, though he was being an incredible gentleman. No one else had cooked for me.
He tipped a fork towards my mouth, “Try.”
I gagged, spitting it out before I thought about it. He laughed, the sound rolling through me, warm and comfortable.
“Well, I know not to make that again.” He was still grinning, mischievous eyes on me.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be! More for me.” He poured me a half glass of wine, then some for himself. Leaning towards me, he gave me a sly look. “Now, tell me about yourself. I want to know all your secrets.”
“Are you trying to get me drunk so I’ll spill my guts?” I smiled.
“Wine and secrets are my favorite.” He teased, taking a bite of the sweet potato and gouda gratin thing. “Maybe we start with something easier. I read that you just graduated high school.”
“Yes,” Nodding, I took the bite he offered me, “mmm, you have a talent for this.”
“What college are you going to?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Do you know what you want to study?”
“They say it's like picking a life path while blindfolded. No pressure, right?” I forced a smile to my face, but he only looked at me expectantly. “I was thinking permaculture horticulturist, or agriculture.” I’d been enjoying working outside so much, I thought I could make a living out of that.
“What even is that?”
“It’s sustainable practices. For farmers, landscape designers, those kinds of people. Using more locally sourced plants, self-sustaining food systems, water conservation… There’s so much more we could be doing to be better to the planet, and still feed everyone.” I halted, suddenly realizing that I was climbing on my soapbox. But Tucker only looked on with interest.
“That’s fascinating. And you think you could learn that at Netherveil?” The local university. “Or would you have to go to school somewhere else?”
“I’m not sure. I—” I let out a sigh, shoulders drooping. "Who knows? Everything's a bit hazy right now—" I bit down on my next words, sudden emotion washing over me. Up until now, I’d been able to hold it together but I felt the weight of everything pressing down on me. I blinked, holding back tears.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Tucker soothed, rubbing my arm. “I understand. It can all be a little much.”
Nodding, I ran a napkin under my eye.
“But I promise you, things will work out. I’ll help you.”
“You will?”
