Page 43 of Miss Understanding

She smiled widely. “You back in?”

“Yeah. I guess my stomach is curious to see this through.”

“Think of it this way. After this lesson, you’ll have your perfect date-night meal to impress someone.”

Not that I took much time for dating, let alone making homemade meals. “My dates would probably prefer to be taken out to an expensive restaurant.”

She opened her mouth as if to say something but then stopped.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Haven’t we passed the point of you holding back? You’re aware of my painful childhood. I know you moonlight at a rowdy nightclub.”

Her blush was worth the teasing. “I just think most women would appreciate the time spent on them rather than the money.”

I met her gaze. “I think you’re probably not like most women, then.”

She stepped back and got something out of the refrigerator. “What’s your mom doing tonight?”

“She’s having dinner with some of her church friends. I’m going over there tomorrow.”

“You’re welcome to invite her over here tomorrow night instead. I’m guessing it probably isn’t easy for you to go to the house.”

The fact she understood my struggle took me off guard. So did her offer. “I appreciate it. Maybe she can come over. But please don’t feel like you need to cook. I think you’ve fed enough of my family.”

“We can order pizzas. I can go check out the Tazewell night life to leave you some time alone.”

“No. I meant I’d rather you stay. If it’s not too uncomfortable for you.”

“It’s not uncomfortable. Your mom reminds me of my nan. She likes to relive the good old days, too. Some of it I’m sure has been altered with rose-colored glasses.”

“Where does your nan live?”

“Orange County. Near Anaheim. She’s in an assisted living facility. Unfortunately, in addition to her diabetes, she has trouble remembering some things. It’s not a great combination regarding taking her medication.”

“No, I don’t suppose it is. Your parents live nearby?”

“Yep. Only a few miles away from the center. I go to visit every Sunday.”

Guilt hit me. “I’m sorry you missed seeing your family yesterday.”

She regarded me curiously. “It’s okay. I FaceTimed her, and we watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie. My roommate went by to see her, too. And I’ll see her next Sunday, and we’ll have the whole day. She’s who I got the love of cooking from. I remember countless hours she would teach me when I was little.”

I could almost picture her in pigtails up on a step stool absorbing every word. “You seem close with your family.”

“I am. Probably why I only moved, like, twenty-five miles north of them.”

I couldn’t imagine living so close. Even as much as I loved my sister and mother. Guess I’d been gone too long to want to be part of everyday family activities.

The questions kept coming up in my mind. Now that I was getting to know her better, I found I didn’t want to stop.

“You’re an only child?”

“I am.”

“And you’re going to school for business administration, but your true passion is cooking?”