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Jake smiled brilliantly. "Yes, she did."
"How did she know they're my favorite?"
"From me, obviously. It's my grandmother's thing. She tries to find out everyone’s favorite dish. Usually she makes everybody's when we come over.”
It turned out tonight it was simply stuffed zucchini for everyone.
"I stand corrected. Apparently you’re the guest of honor tonight, Natalie," Jake said. “I don't see any roast chicken.”
"Oh, I spoil you boys all the time. Tonight is all about Natalie," Jeannie said, kissing my cheek. I did the same back. "And for dessert I have cheesecake with pecans."
Another one of my favorites. I looked at Jake with warm eyes. "Thanks for paying attention."
Jeannie served everyone a zucchini. "Of course, I don't know your mother's recipe, but I looked quite a few up online, and I think I whipped up something delicious."
I took a mouthful. It was delicious. I hummed, giving her a thumbs-up.
She laughed. "I'll take it."
"Abe, you look much better," I told him.
"I’m feeling great. I started to do some workouts again. My doctor gave me the approval. Says the heart needs some cardio now and again."
"How much cardio?" Jake asked sharply.
I loved it when he was overprotective with his family.
"I'm doing it under the strict supervision of my physiotherapist. I'm not overdoing it."
"Okay." Jake calmed down instantly. "By the way, I have news. I already spoke with a recruiting company to search for a new CEO. I won't be selling Whitley Advertising."
He took my hand under the table, squeezing it lightly. My heart was beating so fast, it was about to jump out of my chest.
His grandfather beamed. "That's a good decision, my boy, but you know this might take a while."
"I know, and I'm ready to wait until the appropriate person comes around. I know the process is grueling."
Jeannie smiled, but it was obviously sad. Oh, I related. I knew she was happy that Whitley Advertising was staying in the family, but the fact that Jake was searching for another CEO meant he wasn't staying here.
He caressed the back of my hand with his thumb, and we held hands during most of dinner. The conversation slid to easy topics, such as a short vacation Jeannie planned only an hour away from Boston. Apparently that was where Jake had picked up his retreat habit. She and Abe had gone to the same hotel for forty years. It had been passed down to the next generation, and they were happy it was still open.
After the main course, we all helped take the plates to the kitchen.
Abe and Jake went back to the table with drinks, and I stayed with Jeannie as she cut the cheesecake.
"This looks delicious." Oh, I was so happy.
"My Jake knew what your favorite dessert was. I wanted you to feel like you were at home. He told me how much you miss your family."
I was moved. Not only by the fact that he told her that but that she made the effort of preparing my favorite food.
"I do."
"Family is important. You're always welcome in our home, no matter what. Okay?"
"Thank you, Jeannie."
My heart felt heavy as we returned to the table. Jake trained his eyes on me. As I sat down, Abe and Jeannie started bickering.
