Page 75 of Jaime
“Does he?” Ethan asked.
She nodded.
“Any roast-type stuff. Scalloped potatoes, cauliflower cheese... he makes a great turkey too.”
I shrugged self-consciously at the impressed look Ethan was giving me.
“I like to cook,” I muttered.
“You’ve been holding out on me. I can’t wait to try.”
I pushed myself up, grinning.
“I’ll get everything started.”
Cooking always felt like a timeout for me, my thoughts turned from everything else to focus on the task at hand, the flavors and textures. In that sense, it was like sex, a solid, almost meditative distraction.
I could hear them chatting in the living room, getting to know each other while I started cooking. For a while, everything felt sort of peaceful and domestic. Then Ethan came in and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pressing a kiss to my neck and it was even better.
I sighed, leaning back against him, soaking in the feeling of being in his arms and the momentary tranquility.
It was broken, almost at once, by a loud wail from the living room.
As one, both Ethan and I stilled, listening as Evie screamed.
Instinctively, I thought it sounded like she wanted her bottle. If not for the fact that Liz had been adamant to not let me take her this afternoon, I would already be there, feeding her.
Instead, despite how much it hurt, I remained where I was, waiting to see what Liz would do.
To my immense relief, after a minute, I heard her approach.
She paused in the doorway, looking worn and agitated, baleful eyes on me and Ethan.
“I don’t know what she wants,” she said.
Ethan moved for me, releasing me and going to them, gently taking Evie from her.
“I’ll give you both a break,” he said, smiling warmly at her like she’d done nothing wrong. She hadn’t, but I knew how comforting that look was when Ethan stepped in like that. With one soft smile, he was able to tell you everything was fine and Liz… burst into tears.
Shocked, for a moment, we both stood still, staring as sobs began to wrack her small body.
Finally, I moved to her, taking her narrow shoulders in my hands.
“Liz, what is it?” I asked, although I could guess. This couldn't be easy for her.
For a moment, she choked on an answer but couldn’t get any words out.
I pulled her into a quick hug, holding her while my heart pounded. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through, not knowing her own daughter.
“Come here,” I muttered, steering her toward the table.
She collapsed into the chair, grabbing anv piece of paper towel to dry her face while she did.
Ethan sank into the chair opposite her, finally quieting Evie with a bottle.
“I’m such shit at this,” she finally gasped.
Instinctively, I started to argue, but she shook her head frantically, bits of hair flying free around her face.
