Page 40 of Continuum

We walked out of the elevator flirtatiously going back and forth. I noticed the women from earlier had been joined with about ten more women, looking at us. We made a show of being all over each other.

“I said yes!” I called out enthusiastically just before we walked out the door.

They squealed with glee as if they knew us personally. It was a lovely show of support.

If only they knew what really went on upstairs.

We were only able to make it through the first set of double doors before we burst out laughing.

“I can’t believe that worked!” I exclaimed.

“I’m glad it did. The information they had on the schedule said they’d be in the meeting until two o’clock.”

“Yeah, but people take breaks.” I bit my lip and shook my head. “That was a close call.”

“Yes, it was,” he agreed.

I glanced up at him. “It was worth the risk.”

He stared into my eyes. “Yes, it was.”

We strolled toward the parking lot where the rental car was parked. Engaged in an easy conversation, we exchanged stories. The conversation continued when he pulled off campus. It wasn’t until we arrived at our next destination that I again realized that I had no idea what we were getting into next.

“You haven’t told me anything about what’s next,” I pointed out as we pulled into a familiar parking structure.

“Because it’s a surprise,” he replied with a grin.

We parked and instead of heading into the building I assumed we were going into, we turned and walked down the street. It had been a long time since I just walked around the city and took in the beauty of Richland, Maryland.

“This place looks so different than it did when we were in college,” he marveled, looking around.

“It does,” I agreed. “They’re constantly building and changing ownership.” I pointed to the restaurant next to a dance studio. “That soul food restaurant used to be a Thai restaurant. That studio used to be a clothing store. That place over there”—I pointed across the street— “used to be a popcorn store. I haven’t really paid attention to what’s over here in a while, so I truly have no idea where we’re going.”

It was an exciting feeling. I’d never had someone plan an entire day for me. My stomach fluttered with a mixture of nerves and glee. I was happy to do whatever it was Kwame had planned.

“Here we are…” he said as we reached our destination.

My eyebrows flew up. “What is this?”

He grabbed the door and opened it for me. “After you.”

I walked in and still had no clue. “Aprons,” I read the large lettering on the wall aloud. There were a few people sitting in the chairs around the waiting area.

What is this?

“Hello and welcome to Aprons,” a woman greeted us as she eased from behind the wall. “My name is Pamela, and I will be your executive chef today.”

“What?” I whispered, looking over at Kwame. “Is this a cooking class?”

“This is a cooking class competition,” he corrected me with a wink.

“What?!” I bounced on the balls of my feet, gripping his arm in excitement. “That’s so cool!”

His whole face lit up. “Good!”

We followed the small group behind the wall. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but I love watching cooking competitions,” I told him.

We were directed to two sets of huge sinks. “Did you ever learn how to cook?”

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