“I agree. So, I was thinking maybe he could do one of the murals for the studio.”
“That’s a great idea. You think he’d be interested?”
“I’ve already mentioned it to him and told him there was no guarantee you’d agree, but he was so excited he could barely contain himself.”
“Why would I not agree? He is talented beyond words. I’m excited and can’t wait for him to get started. Of course, I’ll pay for all the materials and for his time and effort.”
“Thank you for doing this, Graham. It’ll be a dope experience for him.”
“It’ll be dope for all of us. Something smells good. What’s in the oven?”
“I’m baking chicken thighs with mixed vegetables, and I made cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. Are you hungry?”
“Did you make enough for me?”
She stood and headed to the stove. “I’ll see if we can spare some for you.”
I watched as she carefully removed the large casserole dish from the oven. I could honestly look at her all day and not get bored. The past couple of days had been busy for me at the studio, so we hadn’t seen much of each other.
“I missed you,” I confessed.
“I’m never far away.”
“True, but I don’t want to impose on your space and the time you spend with Keelan.”
She placed my plate in front of me and asked what I wanted to drink.
“Water is cool.”
“Bottled or tap?”
“Whichever is easier. Thank you, baby.”
She returned to the table with a glass of ice water but didn’t make herself a plate. I assumed she was waiting to eat with Keelan.
The chicken was seasoned well and tender as hell. At my big age, I wasn’t big on vegetables, much to my mother’s dismay, but I mixed them with the mashed potatoes and didn’t taste them.
“This is good, and I don’t even eat vegetables like that. My mother would be proud.”
“Thank you, and you’re not slick, smothering them in the potatoes.”
“Aye, as long as I eat them, right? You know, I haven’t had a woman cook for me since I left home, not that you cooked this for me.”
She laughed. “I knew what you meant, and I don’t believe you.”
“Seriously. I had to come thousands of miles to get a home-cooked meal like this.”
“This isn’t even anything fancy. You can’t cook?”
“I do okay for me, but I wouldn’t invite anyone over to eat anything I cooked. There were a few holidays or occasions when I was invited to have dinner with some of my coworkers’ families.”
“Well, you’re welcome to have dinner with me and Keelan whenever I cook. I’ll always make sure I make enough for you.”
I leaned toward her for a kiss, and she obliged.
“I’m gonna take you up on that offer because I think my parents are already sick of me.”
“You were living across the country for over twenty years. I’m sure they’re glad to have you back home.”
