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It was no use.

They had been at this for nearly an hour. The kitchen had looked much better before they started, which was unfortunate, because tonight was supposed to celebrate its completion.

Two months of work, and Nate had finally finished the cabinets, fitted the counters, and painted the walls the soft yellow Leo remembered. Everything opened and closed properly. Nothing leaked. There was even a dishwasher, which Leo had considered an extravagance until he saw how many things they’d used to make one meal.

“Maybe more milk,” Leo suggested.

Nate added a splash and stirred. It didn’t help.

“Try the cheese,” Leo said.

Nate tipped it in. That improved the smell, at least.

They’d invited Miriam, Jonah, Sophie, and the children, and Leo had insisted on making a proper dinner. Nate had reminded him that he couldn’t cook. Leo had told him that was fine.

Leo could.

He’d been rather confident about it.

His confidence was starting to wane just a tiny bit.

Beside the sink, Nate’s phone recorded the proceedings from its tripod.

“Do we need that on?” Leo asked.

“We’re demonstrating the finished kitchen, remember?”

Leo grumbled.

Nate’s mouth twitched.

“Try the sauce,” Leo said.

Nate tasted a spoonful.

“Well?”

Nate swallowed and said nothing for a long moment. “It tastes of flour.”

Leo peered into the saucepan. The cheese had disappeared, which seemed odd. They’d put so much of it in. Where had it all gone?

“Maybe it needs longer.”

Nate stirred once more, then let go of the spoon. It stayed upright. He looked at Leo. “You said you knew how to make this.”

“I’ve made this several times.”

“By yourself?”

“Cooking is more enjoyable together with other people.”

“Have you ever actually made this sauce yourself?”

Leo folded his arms. “I usually cooked the pasta and grated the cheese. But I know how the sauce is made!”

“Walt made it, didn’t he? Should I call him and ask how to fix this?”

Leo felt his ears want to go red. “Don’t you dare.”