CHAPTER5
The space next to Abbie was empty.The comforter had been pulled up and folded over.But there was no man in bed with her.
Abbie grumbled about early mornings and got up and pulled on one of Derek’s shirts.The hardwood floor of the hall was cold, but the scent of coffee and bacon kept her from going back for socks.
She turned the corner and had to bite back a gasp.Derek stood in the kitchen in his black boxer-briefs and a navy T-shirt that was at least one size too small.What is it with actors and too-small shirts?
His back was to her, and he used the spatula in his hand to expertly flip two pancakes from the griddle onto a plate.A pile of bacon sat on another plate, and a bowl of strawberries and blueberries were next to it on the counter.
“Um, good morning.”
Derek startled and dropped the third pancake on the floor.“Crap.”He looked over at her, a blush across his cheeks.“Uh, hi.I didn’t expect you up yet.”
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, it’s okay.I, uh…” He looked down at the floor.“I just feel bad about the pancake.I don’t have batter to make more.That was the last one.”
Abbie looked at the counter and saw a stack of at least nine pancakes next to the stove.“I think it’ll be okay.”
“I made coffee, too.”Derek motioned to the cabinet next to the refrigerator.“Mugs are in there.”He grabbed a roll of paper towels and cleaned up the lost pancake.
Abbie went to help him, but he waved her away.“I’ve got it.Go sit.”
She made herself a cup of coffee with a splash of milk and took a sip.It warmed her from top to bottom, and she sat on one of the tall stools at the island.Derek put an empty plate in front of her with a fork and knife, then brought the rest of the plates and bowls of food.
“You didn’t have to do all this, you know.”
He shrugged.“I know, but you were still asleep, and I was hungry.I figured you’d also be hungry when you got up.”
A piece of bacon landed on her plate, and she took a bite.Crunchy deliciousness filled her senses, and it was as though everything was right in the world.“I take it back.You are now required to do this every morning for the rest of forever.”She froze, swallowed, and amended, “For the rest of the weekend.”
Abbie almost wanted to take the words back, but the faintest hint of hope refused to let go of that picture.It was a nice image, and what was the harm in imagining it while Derek stood in front of her making breakfast?
A soft smile crossed Derek’s face as he waited for her to fill her plate before he grabbed some pancakes and bacon for himself.He topped the pancakes with strawberries, a few blueberries, and a healthy dose of syrup before digging in.
Abbie moaned at the first bite of pancake.“It’s delicious.Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.Pancakes are less universal than some people think.”
Abbie shrugged.“I grew up on diner breakfasts, so breakfast food is always a win with me.”
“Noted.”
She took a few more bites, the sweetness of the strawberries pairing deliciously with the pancakes.The bacon added a nice crunch.“Where did you learn to cook?”
He waved at the food.“This?This is easy.I grew up watching my mom in the kitchen.She was a whiz, and always made enough food in case the neighbors came over.Which they usually did.She taught me everything I know.”
“That’s nice.My mom could barely boil water.”Abbie laughed.“But my uncle owned a diner, so we were always fed.And they never let us pay.”
“A diner, huh?”
Abbie nodded.“I love it there.The vinyl seats and the long counter.So much of my schoolwork was done on that counter while Mom was at work.”Memories flooded her: the overwhelming smell of bacon as the fry cooks made a bunch in the mornings, the quiet swish of the door between the front end and the kitchen, and the ring and clang of the cash drawer.She smiled softly.“It was also where I had my first date, which in hindsight was a bad idea.But the poor guy didn’t know my uncle owned it, just that I loved the food there.”
“Sounds like a nice place.”
“The best.My cousin took over a few years ago, though my uncle still acts as if he runs the place.”
“It can be hard to let go of the things you love, that brought you joy.”There was a sadness in his voice.Abbie reached over and brushed his cheek.He leaned into the touch for a moment, then pulled away.
