A smile creeps over his lips. “The other bit. You haven’t paid it yet, by the way.”
I laugh, enjoying myself. “I’ll take my check in tomorrow.”
“See that you do.”
I roll my eyes, laughing because Ithinkhe’s joking. Okay, he’s probably not.
“The chicken is done,” he says. “Why don’t you help me make the sauce?”
“Sauce sounds complicated, and you’re already doing such a fine job of things. I think you can manage on your—what are you doing?!”
When I realize he’s about to turn on the oven, I rush in front of him, putting myself between him and the appliance.
Ash’s eyebrows shoot up like he thinks I’ve lost my mind. “I’m going to set it to a low temperature so the chicken stays warm.”
“You can’t usethatone. Use the bottom one.” Like he doesn’t have eyes, I add, “There are two.”
“Why…?”
“Because…” I could say it’s broken, but that would be a lie. “Because…I don’t want you to?”
That’s certainlynota lie.
Ash takes my shoulder and scoots me to the side. Then he opens the door…and freezes. Once he recovers from his surprise, he glances my way, eyebrows raised.
I drop my face into my hands so I don’t have to look at the blackened skillet. “You were early, and I didn’t know what to do with it.”
“So, you put it in the oven?”
“Where wouldyouhave stashed it?”
“It wouldn’t have happened to me, but…outside, perhaps.”
“I couldn’t even get the window open.”
He stares at me, eyebrows twitching, until he can’t contain it anymore. He presses his lips together, turning away.
And then…his shoulders begin to shake.
“Are youlaughingat me?”
Ash clears his throat. “No.”
But it’s a lie. A chuckle escapes him, growing as he turns back to face me. His mirth finally gets the best of him, and he laughs loudly, shaking his head.
I cross my arms, smiling despite myself. “It’s notthatfunny.”
“It is.”
“I didn’t want you to think I was a disaster.”
“But youarea disaster.”
“I’m working on it.”
Shaking his head, Ash pulls out the pan and sets it in the sink, running water into it so it can soak.
“Do you think I destroyed it?” I ask, peering at the scorched stainless steel.
