She stirred and lifted the pan from the burner. Hearing Ty take down a plate and set it beside her, she tilted and scraped her masterpiece on it. She turned off the stove and placed the pan on the burner behind it.
Ty handed her a fork. “Taste your first dish.”
She pierced the eggs and brought them to her mouth. They tasted bland, but they evoked a sense of victory.
“Hello,” an older woman called as she opened the door, letting herself in.
“Hi, Mom. We have about fifteen minutes. Scarlett and I are having a cooking lesson. Scarlett, meet my mom, Cherise.”
Cherise approached her and took hergood hand. “It’s nice to meet you finally. It seems the entire town has not stopped talking about you.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too. Do you visit Serenity often?” Scarlett asked.
“I live halfway between here and Seattle. I usually spend my time in the city. I occasionally bring my friends down to brag about my son’s cooking skills. Tell me about you,” Cherise encouraged.
“There’s not much to tell. I’m a patient at the Winters Foundation,” she admitted.
“Oh, honey. I know all that. Where did you grow up?” she asked. “Ty, fix us a refreshment while we chat, please, dear,” Cherise called as she led Scarlett into the living room.
“I grew up on a farm in Indiana. My dad, brother, and I served in the military. My mom’s a retired schoolteacher,” she said.
“Thank you for your service. My Ty served, and I can say I’m grateful he came home. From a mother’s point of view, I’m happy you’re here with us.”
Scarlett smiled. “I see where Ty gets his attitude from.”
Ty joined them in the living room, handing them a mocktail. Scarlett sipped it, enjoying the citrus and mint flavors. “Thank you. This tastes as good as the last one you made me.”
“I’m glad you like it. Take these for the pain,” he said, handing her two tablets. “Kassie said one drink won’t hurt you, but I made this to tide you over until brunch in case you want something later.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, feeling a bit embarrassed by his attention in front of his mother. “Let me set the table,” Scarlett said, wanting to feel useful.
“I set the plates on the island along with the silverware and napkins, at the far end. If you continue from the bar, you’ll run into the table. Windows surround it with a view of the mountains,” he informed her.
Ice went to her side, and she picked up the plates, moving unsteadily toward the area Ty described. When he noticed her close to it, he called out, “The table’s round. You can place the dishes at three o’clock, six, and nine.”
Following them, Cherise picked up the silverware. “My son appears to think we’re his kitchen helpers today. Next, he’ll have us doing his dishes,” she teased.
“I don’t mind. He’s helping me practice everyday skills. The therapists at the hospital have taught me practical applications, but Ty’s given me a chance to feel independent,” Scarlett explained, hoping his mother didn’t consider him demanding.
“He reminds me of his father when he worked with my sister-in-law,” Cherise said, her voice conveying her pride in her son.
“Ty made me your seven-layer cookie recipe when he and Hank gave me a tour of the ranch. They’re delicious,” Scarlett said, placing the napkins beside the plates.
“He did?” Cherise exclaimed. “And you met the infamous Hank?”
“Mom,” Ty warned. “Can you take the wine glasses to the table?”
“You have two hands. I’m speaking with Scarlett,” his mother sassed. “Why don’t you sit by me? What do you plan to do once you’re released from the hospital? Will you return home?”
“I…I’m not entirely sure. The town has grown on me. Since I don’t know when they plan to let me escape, I’m taking one day at a time,” Scarlett admitted, fidgeting with the utensils.
“Oh, Serenity has a lot to offer a young woman like you. The people take care of one another here. It’s not often you find that trait these days,” Cheriseencouraged.
“Leo has invited her to interview for a position on the team,” Ty offered.
“How nice. Have you given it much thought? Edie, Carol, and Maddie often talk about their boys. There’s no denying they love those men like their own. I visited the community center a few times, and I know Barb and Debbie feel the same way. I feel awful about poor Debbie. Did you know her?” Cherise asked as Ty set things on the table.
“She took me under her wing when I worked at the center. Debbie loved providing meals for the seniors and needy families. Ty and I went to Kassie’s, and they’re making food out of the hospital’s kitchen until they figure out the building situation.”
