I want to meet him. I want to get to know the people in Holden’s life. But is this too soon? Too fast? I guess he’s also hanging out with my girls, so it makes sense. Maybe I should.
“I actually work all day tomorrow. Ellie has the day off, and then I’m off Saturday. Maybe then?”
“He doesn’t have treatment on Saturday.”
I shrug. “Maybe we can bring him snacks or go play board games with him or something.”
He looks my way, considering me. I can’t read his expression, especially because it doesn’t last long, since he turns his attention back to the road.
“That would be nice.”
Okay, good. I like this. I’ve officially graduated from baby steps to toddler steps. Bella will be proud when I tell them.
He pulls up to the driveway, setting the car in park.
“Um, do you want to come inside?” I ask. “If you’re not too tired, that is. I can cook us dinner.”
“Where are your girls?”
“Oh, they’re having their last sleepover of the summer at Allie’s. That’s why I took my van to get looked at today, since I didn’t have to figure out car seats and all that. She’s taking them to camp in the morning too.”
His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “Yes, that sounds good.”
We stroll side by side in silence, straight to the kitchen.
“Pasta?” I ask, showing him a bag of flour and an egg. He throws a weary look my way, which I return with a smirk, asking, “Have you ever made pasta before?”
30
HOW CAN I KEEP YOU?
Dive by Ed Sheeran
Holden
“Like this?”I ask Natalie as I knead the dough. It’s not sticking to my hands anymore, which is what she said would tell me it’s ready, but her smile is what lets me know it’s actually done.
“That’s perfect. Now, throw some flour over it and put it over here to rest.”
I do as she says then rest my back on the counter.
“You’re a natural in the kitchen.”
“Thanks. I used to be a Latchkey kid when Mom had to work, so I learned how to cook more than mac & cheese. Pasta from scratch? That’s new, though.”
She’s wearing an apron with a lemon print, and it hugs her curves perfectly. Her hair is pulled back in one of those giant clips, but one loose curl falls over her face. I tuck it behind her ear, not remembering my hands are covered in flour.
“Oh, sorry.” I chuckle and wipe my hands before bringing my semi-clean thumb to wipe the flour from her face.
God, she’s beautiful.
“What?” she asks, searching my eyes.
“You’re so beautiful.”
And there it is: that blush rising up her neck, tinting her whole face. It’s her tell, and I love it. That’s how I knew the gift was too much. All the color left her face immediately. I should’ve known Natalie isn’t like most girls, and flashy things aren’t the norm for her.
I love how she’s nothing I expected a relationship would be but everything I needed. I don’t even know how to express that without sounding like I’ve lost it. I like her a lot, but how do I keep her without spooking her?
