Chapter 14
“Idon’t get what the harm would be in just attending one little event.” Sophia snatched the wooden spoon off the granite countertop and stirred the simmering, chicken tortilla soup. Hearing that her father’s numbers had dropped in the polls had put her on edge.
Blayze set out bowls and spoons before crossing over to where the cups were—right beside Sophia. He leveled a severe look at her while retrieving three glasses.
Her cheeks flushed, and a warm tingly rush surged through her chest. Sophia hadn’t stopped being affected by Blayze, but he didn’t have to know that. Not after the way he’d sent her packing when she’d tried to cuddle up to him a few nights ago. The memory itself was brutal.
“I think you alreadyknowthe harm, Sophia, because you and I have had this same conversation every day for the last four days.”
Irritation reared up hard. “You have no idea what it does to me to know that my father’s numbers are slipping, and I can’t do anything about it.”
“I understand,” he said. “But the most dangerous part about staying here, is the coming and going part. Why risk doing that when we don’t have to?”
Sophia shook her head. “We need fresh ingredients here, anyway. We could get it all done at the same time.” Sophia leaned her head over the soup. It was one of those dry packaged soups with the seasonings, tortilla crisps, rice, and beans. She’d added canned chilies, canned chicken, and canned tomatoes too. And while she could admit that the soup—like the other packaged and canned options—was good, she was dying to eat something fresh. Lettuce, fruit, cheese. Heck, she’d even be happy with frozen stuff.
Roman barreled up the basement stairwell, patting at his pockets like he’d dropped something.
“It’s time to eat,” she told him.
“Thank you, Sophia. After dinner I’ve got to take a trip to the nearest pharmacy and pick up a prescription,” he said. “Did I overhear you saying you’d like to make a list? I’d be happy to pick up some produce, frozen foods, whatever you’d like.”
Accepting Roman’s offer was like accepting defeat where the speaking engagements were concerned, but she wasn’t about to turn down the chance to have fresh ingredients in the place. “Yeah,” she said, “let me make up a list. Thank you.” She twisted the stovetop knob towarmand snatched one of Blayze’s pens and notebooks from the drawer by the garage.
“Wouldyoulike anything specific?” she asked Roman.
“A few of those granola bars would be nice. Put that down. Oh, and write fishing bait on there too. I’ll know the kind I want.”
“So, you’re blaming the bait now?” Blayze razzed.
Roman shot him a wide-eyed look. “I caught some easily enough the first night, didn’t I?”
“With different bait?” Blayze asked. When Roman hedged, Sophia laughed.
“Looks like he’s got you there,” she said.
“Yeah, well there was probably only those four fish in the entire pond.”
This time Blayze joined in on the laughter. “Well then, why don’t you just put fresh fish on that list, Sophia. We’ll have him pick up some of that instead.”
Roman attempted his angry face but a smile broke through. “Don’t you even think of writing fish on that list, chiquita. I won’t buy it.”
Sophia sighed and shook her head. “Let’s see, if you get me some whole milk, eggs, a few other ingredients, I could make mymadre’sNatillas de Leche. Halloween’s coming up. It could be a special treat for us.” It was no secret they wouldn’t see so much as one trick-or-treater during the holiday.
“Oh man, it’s been ages since I’ve had that,” Roman said.
The three of them gathered around the table with their bowls of soup. Sophia brought the list along too, adding to it as they shared family favorites. Blayze spoke of times when he was overseas. The supplies each SEAL had in their pack.
“Nothing makes you miss Mom’s cooking like being overseas, I’ll tell you that much.” He glanced at Sophia after saying it, his smile falling suddenly. As if he’d only then realized that he’d never taste his mom’s cooking again. Or even share a meal with her. Not in this lifetime.
Sophia gave him a weak smile, her eyes threatening to tear up. “What were some of your favorite dishes from her?” she asked.
“Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Seriously the best things ever.”
“Mmm, I love anything with pumpkin.” Sophia had a good recipe for those as well. With that thought, she jotted the necessary ingredients on the list. Roman would be at the store all night at this rate.
“Well,” Roman said, coming to a stand. He patted his chest, then his pockets, before spinning to look at Blayze. “Not used to being without a set of keys, I guess. Must have left them in my room.”
Blayze looked down at the table, seeming to rub out an invisible spot with his thumb while Roman retrieved his keys. “See you kids in a bit. Behave yourselves while I’m gone, okay?”
