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“I’ve got it.” He started pulling ingredients from the fridge and then pulled out a blender.

“Don’t go to so much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble. The sauce has another ten minutes.” He began chopping up something and putting it into the blender. In a few minutes, he was filling some tall glasses with a peach-colored drink.

“Non-alcoholic Peach Bellini for my favorite ladies.” He presented his masterpiece to Clara and Kaley.

Kaley picked up the drink and took a sip. The peach flavors exploded against her taste buds. “This is so good.”

“Wait until you try his meatballs,” Clara said.

“Are there Italians in your family?” With a last name like Payne she didn’t think so, but then what did she know?

“Not a lick that I know of.” Anthony busied himself at the stove.

“He likes to cook and taught himself,” Clara said.

Kaley smiled. “I’m glad he does and did.”

Anthony set a big bowl of pasta on the table, the sauce in another bowl, then a platter of meatballs. “And I can’t forget.” The last platter was garlic bread. He glanced at Kaley who subtly pointed to his grandmother.

He grinned. “Gran, how much do you want?”

“Fill my plate. Whatever I don’t finish I can have tomorrow.”

Anthony turned his head and winked at Kaley, then filled his Gran’s plate from the bowl of pasta, before handing it to Kaley.

Chapter Nine

“I can’t eat another bite,” Kaley said, pushing back from the table. “Anthony, you are a wonder in the kitchen as well.”

“I have lots of talents.” He winked.

“Nothing this old lady needs to hear. I’m going to go watch TV.” Clara waved Anthony away when he started to help her. “I’m fine.” Using her cane, she left the kitchen.

“Stubborn,” Anthony muttered.

“I know someone like that.” Kaley stood and began clearing the plates off the table.

“Really?” He raised his eyebrows. “You don’t have to clear the table.”

“Let me help. You cooked.”

He nodded. Within twenty minutes, they had the table cleared, leftovers put away, and the dishes were in the dishwasher.

“I need to get home; tomorrow is a work day,” Kaley said.

“I wish you’d stay for a bit.” He enjoyed being around her.

“I want to, but I have some things to get ready for tomorrow.”

There was regret in her voice, and Anthony took that as a good sign. “All right. Let’s go tell Gran, and I’ll get you home.”

Kaley said her goodbyes to Clara, and Anthony guided her out to his vehicle. He wished the drive to Kaley’s apartment was longer, but it wasn’t. When they arrived, the main door to her building was wide open.

“Stay here,” he ordered and jumped out. If there was something going on, he didn’t want Kaley caught up in the middle of it. Loud voices reached him before he made it inside. This was not good. He listened to the argument. Sounded like they were arguing over the husband coming home late again. At least it didn’t sound like they were trying to kill each other.

He returned and opened the driver’s door. “Neighbors are having a fight.”

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