Page 58 of Ever's Last
I’m living my dream. I am my father’s daughter. I loved cooking with him when I was younger. I even tried my own recipes. But with pageants, I never had time.
While staying with Anne, I tried a few more recipes, which is why I told Uncle Sal that I wanted a show. He was the man to make it happen. All the recipes are easy enough for mothers to make ahead of time and freeze.
The first show, no one showed up. By the fifth, there was a line out the door. It’s all surreal.
“Thank you everyone for tuning in. See you next time onJust a Taste. And be sure to check out our blog.”
“Cut.”
“Everyone, before you leave, we made some dumplings for you to take home.” On-set assistants bring out trays of Tupperware and give each person a dish before they leave.
“Good job, today.” Uncle Sal kisses my cheek.
“I’m ready to go home and eat some dumplings myself.” I nod at Anne. She’s staying with me, but I’ve started looking at homes and cars. I love my apartment and the fact that I can walk off the big meals I eat, but I want something to call my own since I’m making my own money.
I slide into the passenger seat and Anne drives home.
“I think we’re making a difference,” she states. I hum in agreement. “How are your classes?”
“They’re good. I love my culinary classes. I’m learning to bake and work with sugar.”
“Ooh, maybe we could do a Halloween episode?”
“That’s a ways away, but I want to make a layered cake for the Fourth of July and put sparklers on to present it.”
“I like that. Your dad called.”
“I know. I’ll call him back.” I missed his call earlier because I was taking a test and then had to rush to set.
“He’s coming for a visit.”
“Oh, yay. I know he misses me.”
“He does. I feel like I’m manipulating your time.”
“You’re not. He knows that.”
Once inside the apartment, she serves up some dumplings. I think this is my favorite meal of hers.
Tummy full and it’s time for bed. I only have two classes tomorrow, which is good. We film every day and in between classes I update the blog. I’m surprised no one on campus recognizes me. Oh, that’s right, they all cook ramen noodles and nuke burritos. Okay, that was harsh.
My last thought of the day as I lay down is about Memphis. What is he doing? How is he? Does he care? I keep fooling myself when I say I don’t care, but it’s hard to explain. It’s like a force keeps pulling me to him.
He is my everything, even though my heart won’t admit that.
Wherever he is, I hope he’s happy.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Memphis
Idrove straight through to Texas, spending the drive thinking about how things in the last few months have changed. I never thought Skye and I would be friends again. I never thought Brick would find someone. I never thought Ever would be so disappointed in me. When she was growing up, I hung the moon. Now, I’m lower than dirt.
Now I’m sitting across from her college. Not only was I given this address, but I was also given a specific area to go to. I take a deep breath and get out of the car, heading toward the bench I’m told to go to.
And I wait.
I see her exit the building across from me. It’s been months since I’ve seen her, but she’s still radiant.
