I laugh, shaking my head.
Tori: Don’t get smug, Steele
Bennett: Smug’s my entire brand
God help me.
That should not be attractive.
And yet…
Shit. I’m losing my grip on reality here.
Tossing the phone down, I recommit to the baking project. Dicing the butter and cracking eggs into the mixer, I flip the power on and focus on blending the ingredients to the exact right consistency.
Baking’s all about precision. Following instructions step by step.
Being mindful.
Unlike the man next door.
I turn off the mixer and grab my phone, texting back.
Tori: Reckless is your entire brand
Bennett: Some people call that fun
Tori: Reckless got you into trouble
Bennett: I was defending the team’s PR woman
Bennett: I’m calling it noble
I chew at my bottom lip, stomach swooping. Not from anxiety or nerves.
From something messier I don’t care to think about.
Because reckless is one thing.
But reckless for the right reasons — that hits different.
Tori: Next time, try words instead of fists
Bennett: Fists worked faster
I should not be smiling at that.
Setting the phone aside, I stir in the chocolate chips, then scoop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet.Neat rows, perfectly spaced. I pop the tray into the oven and set a timer.
Tori: And now you’re paying for faster. Worth it?
The blue dots appear, then disappear. I sip my wine and lean against the counter, waiting.
Bennett: Yeah, it was
Bennett: Now I’m a local legend
The timer dings and I slide the golden-brown cookies out of the oven, the scent of chocolate and brown sugar filling the condo. I pluck one from the baking sheet and take a nibble.
