I shook my head, moved over to the stove, and poured in the tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. Then I grabbed the wooden spoon and let it all fall together—chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, a hint of cinnamon, a pinch of sugar, garlic and onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, two bay leaves, and a dash of cocoa powder—just enough to make the beef feel expensive, then stirred it down in the Dutch oven.
“I just feel a little generous today… and a littlepityfor yourtag-along,” I finally responded, popping the lid halfway on.
Turning to face him, I lowered my voice, but kept my eyebrow arched in curiosity.
“I’m honestly curious, though.What do youreallysee in her? She’s pretty, yeah… but I’ve never known you to go for looks alone. You always wanted someone with a solid head on her shoulders, not just a pretty face and a social media filter. Depth, discipline, and goals—that used to be your lane.”
Bryce leaned back against the counter, arms crossed casually over his chest, one eyebrow cocked in challenge.
“How you know my type?”
I smirked. “Because Iwasyour type.”
Bryce chuckled deep, low, and familiar in a way that stirred something I didn’t want stirred.
"Was?” He took a step closer, his voice dropping an octave, filled with a teasing intensity. “Still is. And you weren’t just my type, Chess; you were my only one. That’s why you got chosen."
The air got thick, warm, and heavy with something old and dangerous; memories swirling like ghosts around us.
I cleared my throat, attempting to break the tension.
“Mm-hmm. But seriously, how did you end up with a girl who can’t cook, Bryce?” I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. “You’re the same man who used to eat a third plate of lasagna and then ask what’s for dessert. Be for real.”
The irony was too rich to ignore; a jab that both amused and stung.
He smiled, the corners of his mouth turning up without a trace of denial.
“And don’t you dare try to flip it back on me by saying, ‘How did you end up with a dude like him?’” I mocked, deepening my voice to mimic him in a way I knew would make him laugh.
Bryce displayed a wide and satisfied grin, as if he was proud to be predictable. “You know me well, huh?”
I shrugged, a small laugh escaping. “Bryce, we were together for ten years… I know youtoowell. Knowing you, you would’ve thrown in,” I paused for dramatic effect, thinking of something off the wall that he’d say about Adrian.“A nigga who probably thinks hot dog water is gourmet soupand considers changing the oil in his car to be self-care.” I chuckled. “Ican hear you now.”
We shared a laugh.
“Nah, facts, though,” he agreed, chuckling along.
“But you don’t have to ask me. Trust me,” I said, my tone turning serious as I strolled over to the sink, splashing a bit of water to wash my hands. “Since arriving here, I've been questioning everything, and I'm quickly realizing I made ahugemistake.”
He nodded. “But on some real shit, I didn’t know or even cared if she could cook. Again, that should let you know I’m not that invested... not beyond what was convenient.”
I had to respect his brutal honesty.
I shook my head, grabbing a dish towel from the rack. Turning to face him fully, I folded my arms, giving him my undivided attention.
“Convenient is gonna get yousalmonellaone day,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood with a grin. “But thanks for staying,” I expressed, my tone more sincere that time. “It’s not snowingthatbad, so someone like youdefinitelycould’ve made it out of the city without any issues. So what’s therealreason you decided to stay?”
“For you.”
He kept it real. No hesitation.
“I didn’t trust leaving you here with that nigga; not on some jealous shit, just for your safety,” he further explained. “You shouldn’t have to keep looking over your shoulder when you’re supposed to be unwinding… assuming that’s why you came here.
I fell silent. My chest tightened for a moment, but not from emotion; it was from the stark truth behind his words.
“I’ll be back,” he announced, breaking the quiet.
“Wait! You’re really going out in this weather?” I asked a little too worried, and he picked up on it—as I knew he would.
