Si stepped between me and it and pulled the mug out of my hand. “Why don’t we get some real food into you?”
“I’ll eat a protein bar on the way.” I put my hands on my hips. “Now, can I please get to the coffee?”
“That’s not real food. You go get ready. I’ll make you something.” And then he actually had the nerve to shoo me out of the kitchen to my room.
First of all, how did he know I wasn’t ready? I sniffed my armpits, wondering if I smelled. And second, what kind of man liked to cook unless he was getting paid to do it? But I was curious enough—and hungry enough—that I obeyed.
The caffeine was hitting me full throttle now. A little bounce came into my step. Maybe Silas was right. Maybe I didn’t need that second cup.
“Fifteen minutes,” I reminded Anna when I walked by. I went into my room and shut the door.
Ten minutes later, I walked into the kitchen, teeth brushed, sporting a fresh layer of mascara, my hair pulled into a messy bun, wearing my favorite navy blue leggings and a gray, sleeveless, form-fitting top that saidMeet Me at the Barre. I didn’t know what Silas had cooked up but it smelled amazing. He was bent down, folding something. When heheard me walk in, he glanced over and his eyes widened—completely vulnerable for a split second—and I bit back a smile. He thought I looked pretty today.
A flush crept across his cheeks, and his eyes skittered away.
He handed me something wrapped in aluminum foil, his arm rigid and outstretched.
I grinned. I couldn’t help it. Someone other than my momma had made food just for me. I couldn’t remember the last time that happened. Certainly not the entire time I was with Billy.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Just scrambled eggs and fried ham between two pieces of toast. Nothing fancy.”
“I think that’s called a sandwich.” I teased, hoping to get a smile before I left.
“Sure,” he said, completely blank.
Anna walked out in a pair of gray leggings, a bright green henley, and fashionable leather-sheepskin slippers.
Silas’s eyes bugged, and a vein bulged in his forehead. “No. Uh uh. Absolutely not. You are not leaving the house like that.”
Anna’s eyes widened, and she glanced at me for help.
I waved at her adorable outfit. “What’re you talking about? This is how she always dresses.”
“She’s wearingmascara,” he said like she’d committed the unpardonable sin.
Anna caved in on herself a little.
I shook my head and waved for her to stand tall. “And your point?”
He threw his hands up. “She’s way too young for that.”
I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Please. My momma bought me my first tube for my twelfth birthday.”
Anna straightened and lifted her chin. “Momma let me wear it.”
He leaned against the counter and rubbed the back of his neck. “She did?”
We both nodded.
I pulled my purse strap over my shoulder. “She’s starting high school this fall, Si.”
He pushed a hand through the front of his hair and left it there. “Sorry. You’re just…you’re too beautiful.” He sounded defeated. “It makes you look way older. Like waaaay older.”
Anna stood up really straight now, radiant.
I patted him on the shoulder. “If it makes you feel any better, Holden almost had an aneurysm the first time he saw her with makeup on.”
