Rowan and Ellie’skitchen smells like heaven. I’m getting mixes of sweet and salty. Earthy and sugary. I’m drinking a beer while music plays throughout the house. The two of them work in sync.
Ellie’s on one side of the kitchen, making caramel-stuffed brownies, and Rowan’s on the other side, working his magic on the baked ziti. Pots and pans clink together. Ellie pours the thick chocolate batter into a glass baking pan, while Rowan sprinkles mozzarella on top of the pasta mixture.
When they switch sides, they do it flawlessly, almost like they’re skating on ice, knowing where the other person is going.
“That sauce smellsgood.” I compliment Rowan on a small batch of his homemade red sauce, which he keeps on the side for dipping French bread or adding more to the pasta.
He uses a splash of red wine to enhance the flavor and a sprinkle of sugar to balance the acidity. It’s not too thick or too runny, but just right. I’ve already eaten half of the French bread, dipping it in the sauce when Rowan wasn’t looking, only for Ellie to slap my hand away.
The steam rises from the small Dutch oven when Rowan removes the lid, pouring extra sauce on his pasta and grating fresh cheese on top.
“Thanks, man. It’s taken a couple of years to get itdown.” He places his bowl on the table and takes a swig from his beer.
“What about my brownies?” Ellie says. “Do you know how annoying it is to make homemade caramel sauce?”
I cock an eyebrow. “I didn’t ask you to make it.”
“They’re for Riley.” She turns back to the counter before glancing back at me. “But I’d still love a compliment.”
I perk at the name that comes out of her mouth. “Riley’s joining us?”
“Yeah, I hope that’s okay. It was last-minute.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. I don’t care.”
I care.A lot.
“I just wanted to include her because she’s been taking care of everything with Honey Cakes while I spend time with dad. It’s the least I can do.”
“That’s fair,” I say. “So, it’s just the four of us?”
Ellie turns again to look at me with curious eyes and a silly smile. “Already trying to come up with smartass remarks?”
“Now, why would I do that?” I peek at her over my beer bottle.
“Your friendship, or whatever that is,” She deadpans, gesturing to me in a circle. “It's weird, and I don’t get it.”
“Neither do I. I’m just going with whatever it is she’s doing.”
Ellie mentioned the lunch Riley had with her mom the other day. I’ve never questioned why she still has a relationship with that woman. I won’t understand because I’m lucky to have a mom who gave us what we needed growing up: emotional support.
But sometimes, I wish I could ask Riley if she knowshow much her mom manipulates her, gaslights her, and undermines her.
The doorbell rings, causing Milo and Biscuit to break out into a barking fest while running to the door. Biscuit slides on the wooden floor and slips, knocking into Milo’s slide.
“August, can you get the door?” Ellie asks, whisking something in a bowl.
I drag myself from the kitchen chair, pushing up my glasses, and rubbing at my tired eyes.
If I’d known Riley was coming, I would have worn something that doesn’t make me look homeless. But no, I decided to wear sweatpants and a pullover hoodie because I’m going to eat until my stomach explodes. I have no cologne on and didn’t do my hair.
Before I get to the door, I lift my arm up and sniff, hoping I smell fine. Thankfully, my deodorant is strong enough to mask the desperation I carry for her.
It will have to do for now. I don't even know what kind of scent it is. The deodorant stick said ‘Mt. Fuji.’ What the fuck does that even mean? Do I smell like a mountain? I don't know, but it's what I need to work with right now.
Quietly, I clear my throat before placing my hand on the doorknob and opening it. In front of me stands Riley in a similar outfit to mine. Her hair is tucked behind her ears, showing off her little studs that climb up her lobes.
The pink flowers she's holding make her look angelic while the sunset streams down on her. She can wear a trash bag and still look incredible. We stand there for what feels like five minutes, looking at each other.
