since he’s never brought a woman here, I had no choice but to do it myself. I’m glad you like it.”
My heart leaps at that little tidbit of information. As Nina eyes me, I try not to show any outward reaction, but I don’t think I’m pulling off casual by any means. The small smile on her face as she takes me in speaks volumes. I’m transparent. I didn’t even have to ask the question for her to know it was lingering on my tongue, dancing in my eyes.
Making herself at home, and really, it’s more Nina’s home than mine, she pulls the milk from the fridge. She looks at all the food before closing the door. “How much food did you bring?” she asks.
I laugh and open the cupboards until I find the mugs. I set three on the counter. “I thought it would be fun if I cooked for everyone tonight.”
“Sweetie,” Katee says. “You do enough cooking for us on your truck. Let us take care of you. Better yet, let the guys take care of us all,” she adds with a chuckle. “We deserve the break for all we put up with. Isn’t that right, Khloe?” she says to her toddler.
Katee might be complaining, but she’s doing it playfully. The warm smile on her face, and the adoration shining in her eyes is a good indication of how much she loves her family, and I get the sense it’s very give and take between husband and wife. I like that in a relationship. Friends and partners. Taking care of one another. Through good times and bad. In the bad times my ex tossed me to the curb. I can’t ever imagine Cason doing something like that. My heart does an odd little flip in my chest, and I clear my throat to pull myself together when I catch the way the two women are staring at me as I go all dreamy like over my crush.
“I love cooking,” I say, getting back on topic. “Tonight I thought I’d do homemade flatbread pizzas. I wanted to keep the kids in mind, so I’m sure it’s cheese and pepperoni for them. The adult versions will be a little fancier with grilled chicken and pineapple salsa.”
“Get in my belly,” Nina says with a grin.
I smile back, happy that she likes my choice. “It’s good practice for when I finally get my own restaurant, too.”
Katee’s eyes go big. “Ohmigod, that is so exciting. I do love your tacos though. Tell me you’ll still be making them.”
“I will be, but I want to expand, use more locally sourced food, and find more ways to help those less fortunate in our community.”
“I love the pay-it-forward program you have on your truck,” Katee says.
“Okay, that’s it,” Nina says and presses her palms to the table. “I love my brother but you’re far too good for him. I’m sure Mom and Dad would agree.”
I laugh a bit uneasily and say, “Thanks.”
“You’re really not going to meet them?” she asks, and I don’t get the confusion on her face. We explained that we were doing this for my situation, and it was best not to involve his parents.
I shake my head firmly. “No.” Wanting to change the subject I redirect by saying, “Thank you both for all your contribution to the pay-it-forward program. Cason has some really awesome people in his life.”
“We’re in your life, too,” Nina says, like once we get our marriage annulled, I’ll still be in their circle, and coming to their bonfire events at the beach. My heart sits heavy at that, but I keep it to myself.
Speaking of events…
“So uh, I have a favor to ask.” The coffee pot beeps and I fill our cups. Both sets of eyes are trained on me as I hand them their cups. I sit at the table and say, “My parents want to throw a wedding party for Cason and me since they weren’t invited to the actual…” I pause to do air quotes around the word “wedding.” “It will be big and elaborate and I’ll hate every second of it.” Nina takes a sip of her coffee and her lips twist, but it’s not because the coffee is bitter. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” I say quickly when I read her body language. Oh, God, have I gone too far, asked too much?
“Of course, I want to,” she says. “We’d do anything for you. You’re family. But do you