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As I set the table with Lily’s help, Ramsey continued cooking the spaghetti. Their laughter and easy banter filled the air, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy. I yearned for that kind of familial connection, something I had never truly experienced in my own life.
As the three of us sat down to eat, I couldn’t help but savor the flavor of the spaghetti sauce in my mouth. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience it with such wonderful company.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to dinner,” I said, smiling at Ramsey. “This is amazing. You guys are good cooks.”
Ramsey chuckled, “It’s all thanks to Lily’s secret recipe. She’s the real genius behind the meal.”
Lily beamed at the praise, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “It’s my grandma’s recipe,” she said modestly.
As we continued eating, I found myself lost in thought. Ramsey and Lily’s easy connection and love for each other was a beautiful thing to witness. I couldn’t help but think about how lucky they were to have each other, and how much I wished I had that kind of relationship with my own family.
I learned to cook when I was younger, but it wasn’t like this. I cooked meals on a stove that was gross and dirty. My meals usually included a can of soup or a can of whatever I could find. I usually had to scare off roaches and wash the pot I was going to use. My life was very different than Lily’s.
After dinner, we cleaned up together before moving into the living room to play a board game. As we settled in for the game, I couldn’t help but notice the way Ramsey and Lily interacted with each other. Their playful teasing and easy laughter filled the room, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. I had never had that kind of relationship with anyone, let alone my own family.
As the game progressed, I found myself getting more and more drawn into the dynamic between them. Ramsey was fiercely competitive, but Lily was just as determined to beat him. They were evenly matched, and the game was a close one.
As we played, I felt a growing sense of fondness for them both. I loved that they were so nice to welcome me in.
“It’s time for bed,” Ramsey announced after Lily ended up winning the game.
“Can Dee put me to bed?”
I looked at Ramsey. I didn’t want to intrude. “I—”
“That’s fine with me,” Ramsey said.
“Alright, little miss,” I said to Lily. “You are going to go to sleep quick. We had a wild day.”
Ramsey gave her a kiss goodnight before we walked upstairs. I tucked her into bed and promised I would see her in the morning. As I made my way back downstairs, Ramsey was waiting for me in the living room. He motioned for me to sit down next to him on the couch.
“Want a beer?” he asked.
“Please,” I said with a little too much enthusiasm. “Today kicked my butt a little bit.”
“I bet,” he said with a chuckle and left the room.
He returned with two cold beers. “Thank you.” I took a long drink and leaned back against the couch. “Dinner was really good. Thanks again. I’m wiped out.”
“I bet,” he said. “I have to say, I have not seen Lily laugh that much in a long time. Thank you for rolling in the mud with her. I’m not sure I could have done that. You really made her week.”
“It was fun,” I told him.
“I can see why the other families were so bummed to see you go,” he said.
I just smiled. “I really like kids.”
We talked for a bit more.
“Want something else to drink?” he asked. “Let’s go to the lounge and I’ll make you a martini so dry it’ll make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth.”
I followed him to a dimly lit room with a bar and a few chairs. “Your house is incredible,” I said. “I’ve never been in such a nice place.”
He poured me a martini and we sat down to continue our conversation. “I got the impression the family from Ireland was wealthy.”
“Ireland?” I asked with confusion.
“Your old job,” he said.
