After some more laughter, it takes ten minutes to serve up the burgers and fries. After ensuring Nick is happy with his cartoon and his food, I return to the kitchen where Stacey is pouring wine into two cups.
“You don’t have to do that. I can do it.”
“I can pour wine, Calliope, relax.”
“Sorry. My head is all…” Throwing my hands up, I rustle my hair and then accept the cup from Stacey. “I’m glad you could come.”
“When you texted me to say you wanted me to come to dinner, how could I refuse?” With a warm smile, she retakes her seat while I walk back to the fridge and take a box from the top.
Back at the counter, I slide onto a stool across from her and slide her the box.
“What’s this?” she asks, quickly wiping her fingers on her thigh after devouring a couple of fries.
“A thank you gift.”
“What for?”
“You’ve been amazing these past few weeks, dropping stuff to come and care for Nick and babysitting him when I was out last night, and I just really appreciate it. Especially with my mom…”
“Ah. I saw her work in the hallway and the living room. It’s uhm…” Stacey rolls her eyes. “It’s crazy.”
“She says it’s grief. Anyway, it's just… I can’t trust her fully with Nick, so you’ve been a huge pillar for me and I just want to say thank you.”
“Aw, honey!” She snaps open the box and gasps. “No way!”
“You like it?” On the silver cushion rests one of the onyx bracelets along with a set of jade earrings.
“They’re beautiful!”
“Full disclosure, they were technically written off because of water damage to the box, but the jewelry itself was never touched. I just want you to know that because I could never afford these on my own.”
“Ahh!” She squeals and immediately hands me the bracelet. “I do not care. Put it on me!”
It doesn’t take long to clasp the bracelet around her wrist and she gasps as she admires it. “It’s so beautiful! This is too much!”
“It cost me nothing,” I remind her. “And it’s worth it. I… I don’t know where I’d be without you.” Talking with Elijah last night did an excellent job of highlighting just how much I rely on Stacey, so if anyone deserves it, it’s her.
“I love them. I love them!” She squeals again and then places her hands on the counter, fixing me with a stern look. “I know you, Calliope. You did something.”
“What?”
“You’re feeling guilty, that’s why you gave me two gifts because we both know the bracelet would be enough, but the earrings too?” She raises one brow. “Spill.”
She really does know me too well. “I kissed him.”
“You kissed him?” Stacey screeches.
“Hush!” I panic and grab her hand. “Nick is right next door!”
“Sorry. Sorry. But you kissed him? Are you insane?”
“Listen… It was a really beautiful night. He bought me flowers, sent a card, took me to this adorable bistro, and I just…” I breathe in and glance up, chasing the memories of last night. “I felt like me again. Like a desirable woman, and I just… I loved every second, and then the next thing I know, he’s got me against the taxi and heaskedme if he could kiss me.”
“Ooh.” Stacey munches on a fry. “What a gentleman.”
“Right? And the kiss was so…” I shake my head, pressing my lips together. “I’ve never been kissed like that before.”
“He’s older, right? Like fifty?”
