“Thank you,” I reply.
“You’re welcome. Just promise that we will talk when no one is around. You have such a cute little voice. And now that I know you can talk to me in private, I expect us to joke around while we work,” he says, cracking a smile.
“Deal.” I stick my hand out.
We shake hands and laugh. I am glad to be able to joke and laugh with Gears. He’s got a great personality and has been a good friend. Feeling this comfortable and safe makes me happier than I’d ever thought I’d be.
“Well, are you ready to go and eat something?” he asks.
I nod, and we walk toward the kitchen. I wonder if Butch is cooking. I could use some of his delicious food right now.
“I can smell Butch’s cooking,” Gears says, smiling.
He knows how much I love his cooking. Since I got here, I have felt healthier and well-fed for the first time in a long while, and I’ve definitely put on a few pounds.
“Hello, Brooke and Gears! Would you like some of my homemade pasta with carrots, Bok Choy, and onion with chicken?” Butch asks.
I nod enthusiastically. Gears and Butch laugh at me.
“She loves your cooking,” Gears says.
“She is my number one fan. I’ll cook for you anytime you want. You just tell me what you want, and I will make it for you.” Butch smiles.
I nod and sit at the table. Several times I have tried to get my own food, but Butch loves to get it for me. He likes to take care of people. I don’t mind him serving my food since he seems to have a knack for getting it just right.
“Here you are! I hope you enjoy it. You’ll have to tell me what you think,” he says, setting down my plate.
I give him a thumbs-up before I pick up my fork and start to dig in. The first bite hits my taste buds, and I moan. It tastes absolutely amazing. All the flavors coming at me at once from the chicken hits the right spot.
“That good?” Gears and Butch ask at the same time.
I nod enthusiastically and continue to eat. I don’t pay attention to either of them and just scarf down my food. It is absolutely amazing, and I could eat it all the time.
I finish my plate and frown. I am still hungry. I am slowly regaining my appetite as I am working more. I am using more energy than I have been and not eating enough.
“Do you need some more?” Butch asks.
I shyly nod, and Butch grabs my plate. Normally, I am satisfied with what he gives me, and I never create a scene, but today is different. Thankfully, it is just Gears and Butch in the kitchen who have witnessed this.
“I didn’t know a woman could eat that fast. Did you eat breakfast this morning?” Gears asks.
I put my thumb and pointer finger close together. I hadn’t eaten much because I had woken up late. I made sure to eat a cereal bar before, but I didn’t have enough time to eat anything else.
“What did you have to eat?” Gears raises an eyebrow.
I get up from my chair and walk toward the kitchen. I open a cabinet and pull out a cereal bar bars, holding it out to Gears. He frowns at me, clearly not pleased with my choice of breakfast.
“Why did you only eat that?” he asks.
“What did she eat?” Butch asks, setting my plate on the table.
Butch looks over at me and sees that I am holding a cereal bar.
“She had that for breakfast, and I am wondering why,” Gears responds.
I put away the cereal bar and make my way over toward them. Gears slides his phone over to me, and I sigh, knowing I won’t get out of this.
I woke up late and didn’t want to be late for work, so I just grabbed that real quick.
