We still have a long list of things to talk about, and dating is not one of them.
Mark
The kitchen is set up with two stations. Tonight, I’m going to show Syd how to bake the brownie I made the other night. I’m pretty sure she thinks I hired a cook. Which, to be fair, is a safe call to make, but she’s going to be surprised as hell when she finds out it’s just me.
She has to be at work for the later shift at six tonight, so I have to make this quick. I would have done it earlier in the day, but she was with June, and I wanted to give them space.
I want her to think of this as her home, even if she considers it a temporary situation now. If she doesn’t want to join me in New York City, I want her to stay in this house where I know she and our baby are in a safe neighborhood.
But tonight isn’t about that. Tonight is about just Syd and I hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.
I rub my hands together and examine the stations one more time before checking my watch. She’s been in her room since I got home, but I guarantee she’ll come out at any moment.
“Oh. My. Gosh. What is this?” Her face lights up as she steps into the kitchen.
Her hair is pulled into a messy bun, and the front of her T-shirt is tucked into a pair of ripped jeans. Her purple Croc slippers make me grin.
“A free cooking session,” I say, giddy.
“What?” She smiles.
This was a good idea.
There are so many things I’d love to do with Syd, but since she’s pregnant, all the outdoor activities are off-limits. I had to improvise, and I’m happy to see that she approves.
“What are we making?” Her palms come together as she examines the table. “No way. Brownies?”
I nod.
“The same ones as the other night?”
“The exact ones.”
“Yay. I want to thank the baker. They are honestly the best thing that’s ever been in my mouth.”
My gaze drops to her lips. Man, I really wish I remembered what she tasted like. It drives me nuts that I have no clue.
“Ah, well, you are welcome for that.”
“What? You made them?”
“I make all the food we eat.”
“Stop it. You do?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “My parents are very different, but one thing my mother was very adamant about was that I learned to cook. Granted, she hired someone to help teach me because she wasn’t any good at it, but I think that may have been the point.”
“Wow. That’s impressive. You’re really good. I’m so surprised.”
“I’m full of surprises.”
“You are, and speaking of that, this past week has been great, but it’s a lot more than I’m used to. Can we maybe we can tone it down a bit?”
I nod slowly, letting her request sink it. I thought a little help around the house was a great way to ease her into the things I can give her. Clearly, it wasn’t.
“What would you like to change?”
“Well, I really can do my own laundry and clean up after myself.”
