MADDOX
Iwasn't sure what to cook for dinner. Normally, I'd make tacos or spaghetti, kid-friendly meals. I had no idea what to prepare for the woman who'd walked into the firehouse in a red dress.
I was supposed to be working with her to plan the department's holiday party. I wasn't supposed to be attracted to her. I wasn't trying to impress her.
I cleaned the house while Sofia was at school, then went to the store to figure out what to make. What screamed holiday-party-planning meal, not a date?
I finally settled on something fancier than my usual fare but still easy, lasagna. When Sofia got off the bus, I helped her with her homework, then told her to wash up while I started the lasagna.
I carefully followed the recipe, cooking the meat, then adding each layer to the casserole dish before putting it in the oven.
I'd even texted my mom for tips to ensure it cooked perfectly.
I told myself I'd do this for anyone, but I wasn't so sure about that. If my parents or my brother came over, I'd serve them whatever I'd normally cooked for Sofia. No matter how I justified it to myself, Eve was different.
What kind of woman comes to a fire department in a form-fitting red dress, carrying baked goods? She was used to getting what she wanted. I had a feeling if I was my usual grouchy self, she'd call me out on it. I admired her grit and determination.
The fact that she was following through on her promise to plan the party was admirable too. She hadn't shirked her responsibilities or put everything off on me. I respected that.
The lasagna was in the oven before I heard the knock on the door. I'd texted Eve the time and address earlier in the day. She was a few minutes early, and I tried not to let that impress me. She wasn't someone I was looking to date.
I hadn't given myself permission to even think about dating, much less be attracted to someone else. It felt like a betrayal to Marla, even though she'd assured me that I was still young and should feel free to live my life fully. She hadn't explicitly told me to date someone new one day, but that's what I took it to mean. I just wasn't sure I was ready or if I ever would be.
I opened the door as Sofia ran across the hard wood floor, skidding to a stop next to me. "Is she here?"
A smile curved over Eve's face. "I sure am."
Sofia grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. "Dad's making lasagna for you."
"I hope you didn't go through any trouble."
There was no need to tell her I'd cleaned the house, bought more groceries than I needed, or spent hours scouring recipes online for the perfect meal.
Sofia frowned. "We never have lasagna."
I smiled sheepishly, hoping Eve wouldn't read anything into it. "I thought you might prefer it to spaghetti or tacos. Our go-to meals around here."
She waved a hand at me as she took off her coat. "I would have been fine with spaghetti. You didn't have to go to any trouble."
"It's nice to cook for someone else for a change. Switch things up."
"You want to see what I'm painting?" Sofia asked Eve as if she was a friend over for a play date.
"I'd love to."
I watched for any sign that Eve didn't like kids or wanted to be saved.
Sofia dragged her into our favorite room of the house that was all windows and let in lots of light. It was the natural place for Sofia's art supplies. There was an easel in there and her various craft kits she got for her birthday.
I heard the soft murmur of their voices, and I marveled at what that was like. It had been quiet for so long with it just being the two of us.
I checked on the lasagna in the oven, even though there was a timer set on the microwave. Then I set the table, pouring sparkling water for everyone. Sofia loved when we pretended it was a special occasion.
Sofia had turned on one of the battery-operated candles on the table.
We would eat, and then I'd talk about planning the party with Eve. This was a business dinner, not a date.
It felt very much like a date. I was nervous, wondering whether Eve liked Sofia.
