Page 9 of Pine Creek Lodge
"'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen," she read, setting the book aside. "A classic. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee – excellent choice. 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez – I've been meaning to reread this one." She pulled out another book. "'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Your sister has impeccable taste."
Nat smiled, making a mental note to thank Zoe later. But then Sofia pulled out the last book, and she stifled a gasp.
"'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith," Sofia read, her voice suddenly a bit higher than usual. She turned the book over, her eyes widening as she took in the cover – two women in an intimate embrace.
Nat felt her face flame. Typical Zoe; she just couldn’t help herself. How had she not noticed it when she picked up the order?
"I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't realize... my sister must have... I can take it back if you want."
Sofia's chuckled and shook her head. "No, it's... it's fine. It's supposed to be quite good, actually. I've heard it's... very well-written."
There was an awkward silence as they both stared at the book.
"Great," Sofia said finally, clearing her throat. "Please thank your sister for me. These are all excellent choices."
Nat nodded, still too embarrassed to meet Sofia's eyes. "I will. I'm glad you like them." Another silence fell between them, broken only by Moxie's soft purring from her blanket. Nat searched desperately for something to say, anything to break the tension.
"So, um, how was Moxie today?" she asked, latching onto the safest topic she could think of.
Sofia seemed to relax a bit. "She's been good," she said. "Ate, drank, even played a bit. She’s so curious, it’s adorable."
"I’m glad,” Nat said. “I got her some proper kitten food, by the way. And some kitten milk."
Sofia's eyes lit up. "That's so thoughtful of you, Nat. Thank you." She paused, her gaze softening as she looked directly at Nat. "I... I really appreciate everything you've done. Not just for Moxie, but for me too."
Nat’s breath caught in her throat. Sofia's eyes, usually so guarded, were open and warm, filled with a sincerity that made her heart flutter.
"I know I’ve been... standoffish," Sofia continued. "But that doesn't mean I'm not grateful. For all of this."
Nat didn’t know how to reply. The intensity of Sofia's stare was making her shy.
"I... it's no problem. It’s my job," she stammered. "Anyway, I should... I should get dinner started. Let me know if you need anything in the meantime.”
Chapter Seven
Nat stood in the kitchen, slicing vegetables for the Asian salad she was preparing. The rhythmic sound of her knife against the cutting board was soothing, allowing her mind to wander as she worked. She thought about the events of the day - her fruitless search for Moxie's owners, the unexpected tenderness she'd witnessed in Sofia, and the lingering awkwardness from the book incident.
The scent of garlic and lemongrass filled the air as the sea bream sizzled on the grill. Nat had decided on an Asian-inspired menu tonight, hoping to provide Sofia with something light yet flavorful. The coconut rice was already steaming, its sweetness mingling with the more pungent notes of the fish and aromatics.
Lost in thought, she didn't hear Sofia's approach until her voice broke the silence. "It smells wonderful in here."
Nat was startled, nearly nicking her finger with the knife. She looked up to see Sofia leaning against the doorframe, Moxie cradled in her arms. The kitten was contentedly chewing on a strand of Sofia's dark hair, seemingly oblivious to the world around her.
"Oh, thank you," Nat replied, recovering quickly. "There’s Asian food on the menu tonight. I hope that sounds okay?"
"It sounds perfect, actually." Sofia moved further into the kitchen, her eyes following Nat's movements as she continued to chop vegetables. "You're very skilled with that knife."
"I've had a lot of practice," Nat said. “I used to work as a chef. I still do, I suppose. Just on a more personal basis.”
Sofia seemed content to watch, absently stroking Moxie's fur as the kitten purred in her arms. "Nat," she said, her voice hesitant. "Would you... would you like to join me for dinner?"
Nat's hand froze mid-chop, and she looked up at Sofia, certain she must have misheard. "I'm sorry, what?"
Sofia shifted uncomfortably, her usual confidence seeming to waver. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner. I know you're probably not supposed to mingle with guests, but..." She trailed off, looking almost embarrassed.
Nat was completely taken aback. She couldn't imagine Sofia wanting to socialize, let alone with her. "I... that's very kind of you, but I couldn't possibly. I'll eat when I get home tonight."
Sofia's brow furrowed. "You've been out in the cold all day, Nat. You should take the time to sit down and have a proper dinner." She paused, then added softly, "It's different since I'm here alone, after all. But I understand if you feel uncomfortable having dinner with me. It was just a thought."
