Dove
Mmm… good one. With gravy or butter?
Maverick
I mean, gravy is good, but butter is better.
Dove
True. Mine is peach ice cream on a hot summer day… it goes down so nice.
Maverick
You’re making me miss your mom’s famous recipe.
Dove
Maybe I’m missing it, too.
My brow furrows, and I hate this distance between us. I want to be there to read her expression, to see if she needs a comforting hand on her shoulder, and to give it to her if she does.
Maverick
Are you thinking about the orchard?
Dove
Always, but Kelani fell asleep in my lap, and few things are as comforting as a sleeping puppy. Look…
I wait, and then a picture appears of Dove looking up at the camera. Her blonde hair hangs in soft waves around her face and over her shoulders, and there in the crook of her crossed legs, our adorable husky is curled up fast asleep.
Maverick
She’s a smart pup. Looks like a comfortable place to be.
Dove
I was watching a show, and she just hopped up here.
Resting my head on my hand, I don’t text what I’m thinking, which is how nice it would be to rest my head in her lap. To feel her fingers thread in my hair, to turn my face and kiss the soft skin of her inner thigh…
Dove
Peach soufflé is also good. With a fresh cup of coffee…
Maverick
Someone has a sweet tooth.
Dove
I was raised on a peach orchard, sue me.
Maverick
Nope—I can personally vouch for how delicious all those recipes are.
Dove
