“We made you Sunday dinner. On a Tuesday,” Ty chimes in.
“We cooked all your favorites. Well, we ruined all your favorites, actually…” Booker says, looking around.
“I think you might have ruined the whole damn kitchen,” I tell them, surveying the damage.
“The toaster still works,” Booker says. “We didn’t touch the toaster.”
“Uh, we might have actually killed the toaster, too. How else do you make those crostini things?” Ty admits.
“That’s why I was using the air fryer,” Knox defends himself.
“Usingthe air fryer? You ripped the door off!” Ty returns.
“That’s because there was a flame. So I—”
I shake my head. “Ok, that’s all I need to know. It’s bad enough this place looks like a crime scene. I don’t want to hear the whole damn murder plot.” I squeeze Lucy’s hand. “Guess you were right, Lucy Anastasia. It’s a good night for takeout.”
“I’m right about a lot of things,” Lucy tells me, leaning in for a kiss. “But sometimes, I need a little reminder.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” I tell her, returning the kiss.
“Oh my God, they are precious,” Knox says, scooping Rose out of her chair.
“Freaking adorable,” Ty laughs.
“Seriously? Kind of an inspiration.” Booker adds.
Still holding Lucy in my arms, I turn toward my friends. “Compliments will get you nowhere, bitches. You gotta clean this place up. You desecrated my kitchen!”
“I can’t clean up now. I’m holding a baby,” Knox tells me.
“Yeah, and I’m ordering dinner,” Ty says, holding up his phone.
“And I’m…” Booker looks around. “Crud. I guess I’m on clean-up crew.”
They may have made a murder scene of my favorite place, but they’re still my favorite people.
* * *
Lucy
I’m finally here. On the third floor of The Chapel. In Caleb’s bed. He’s not on the other side of a screen anymore. He’s right next to me. And I couldn’t be happier, especially considering the text I just received.
“What’s got you smiling?” Caleb asks, taking his hoodie off and tossing it across the room. I’d protest, but it lands on top of the hamper, so even I’m impressed.
“Well, your half naked body, for starters,” I say, teasing my fingers across his broad chest. “But also this,” I say, handing my phone over.
Nora: Best. News. Ever. Are you ready for this?
Lucy: You’re secretly a wizard and you’re going to poof all my stuff here so I don’t have to make another trip north?
Nora: Nope. You and your boyfriend are going to have to rent a truck or something. You have a lot of stuff. But seriously, this is prime info. Are you sitting down?
Lucy: Yes. What’s up?
Nora: Derek Stillman got canned.
Lucy: What?! How? When?
