more do you want me to do?!” Killing the heat and removing the pan from the stove all together is the plan, yet getting through the dark fog seems like an impossible task. “I can’t-” my own coughs interrupt my bickering. “I can’t-”
“Hear the doorbell,” Brooklyn calls over to me from where she’s entered the house. She quickly fans away the smoke in front of her face, jogs over to the side of the room, and opens the glass double doors giving the choking clouds a point of exit. From her new location, she pats her athletic shorts-covered thigh at the same time she coos, “Come here, Houndrix. Come here, boy!”
He doesn’t hesitate to jet to safety or his other favorite person to snuggle.
Sometimes I think he might love her more than me.
Which is fine.
As long as she loves me more than she loves him.
Um…someday.
Not necessarily today.
Though, if it was, I’m not sure I could deny that I felt the same way.
Without the distraction of the dog, I manage to eliminate the burning mess, calm down the detectors, and reassure all attached security systems that they do not need to send a fire unit over to help with a non-lethal situation.
The instant I step foot onto the deck I’m greeted by a teasing grin. “Were you trying to send me romantic smoke signal messages?”’
I shove my hands into my turquoise Aztec print boardshort pockets. “I was trying to make you a romantic dinner.”
“And opted to make me romantic charcoal instead?” Her laughter inspires my own. “Is this one of those moments where I should say it’s the thought that counts regardless of the fact I’m starving to death?”
Another cringe crosses my face.
“We’re talking so hungry I’m basically a great white shark ready to eat an entire family of sea lions.”
“That’s pretty fucking hungry.”
“Ravenous.”
More guilt gurgles in the pit of my stomach. “I’m sorry, babe…So fucking sorry.”
Brooklyn tugs me closer by the edge of my Truffle Shuffle tank top and unleashes another good-natured giggle. “Sunshine and seashells, Ax! I’m kidding!”
“Yeah?”
“Of course! It really was a sweet gesture that I totally appreciate from the bottom of my heart.” Her arms wind around my lower half. “Even if it literally went down in flames.”
The choice of wording has me hiding my humiliation behind chuckles.
“What happened? Too much oil? Heat too high? Spill something in the oven?”
“I got…distracted.”
“By?”
“A character assassination attempt from my brother.”
“So, you thought the best way to counter it was with physical assassination attempt?”
Her retort stirs up more chuckles though these are in better spirits. “Obviously, my way was bigger and better.”
“Which is what truly matters,” Brooklyn teases on another tug of my shirt.
The seemingly innocent action has become one of my favorite nonverbal indicators in our relationship. My mouth lowers to hers that’s anxiously parted in preparation for its preferred greeting. I dip my tongue inside and sample the day’s choice of fruitful flavors. Mango and pineapple dance across my tongue as her happy sighs soar through the air like the only melody missing from my perfect playlist.
When I pull back, she instantly pouts, something I’ve also grown to adore.
What can I say?
It’s a good vibe to have knowing someone wants you as much as you want them.
It’s balance.
Something you gotta have on your board.
Something you gotta have in your life.
It’s why my brother’s the bitter bitch that he is.
He lacks balance.
Brooklyn keeps her bright brown stare plastered up at mine. “What were you trying to make?”
“Crab cakes.”
“Isn’t that just a pre-heat the oven and pop them in sort of thing? I know you can do that. I’ve seen you do that with leftovers.”
“It’s more complicated when you’re making them from scratch…” Excitement springs into her expression making the disgrace from ruining dinner grow exponentially. “Sorry we won’t get to have them. I’ll try the recipe again another night.”
Brooklyn keeps amusement in her gaze. “Under adult supervision?”
“I am an adult,” I playfully gripe, keeping my tone the same as hers. “I’m a grown-ass man. A grown-ass man who’s going to find his phone and order us some of the best top dollar takeout in the city, which is one of the most adult things you can do when it comes to food.”
More giggles bounce her body.
“Any requests?”
“Something not burnt?”
The additional mocking receives a good-spirited glare, slow shake of the head, and me removing myself from her grip.
Despite the fact it’s me she’s making fun of, I love that she isn’t uptight. That she isn’t too worried about her appearance or