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“Parenthood is time-consuming, especially when paired with a job,” I mention, grateful the machine swiftly brews up our coffee in less than two minutes. “She’s already exhausted enough from waitressing.”
“All the more reason to help her take her mind off work.”
The wheels in my head begin to turn as I consider his suggestion. It isn’t a bad one. And he’s right: planning a small surprise for Lizzie will help her think about something other than her mountain of responsibilities.
“You know, Gavin, I have to give you credit,” I tell him. “Sometimes you do have good ideas.”
“I’m going to pretend like you aren’t making fun of me, and I will accept that as a compliment.”
27
DILLAN
The afternoon stretches into night, and after putting Isaac to bed, I finalize my surprise. As I hear the key in the lock, a warmth fills my heart—she’s using the copy I made for her. I catch the sound of her entering the bathroom, then Isaac’s room, and finally quietly returning, likely finding him fast asleep.
“I don’t know what’s for dinner, but I can’t wait to eat it,” she says, coming into the kitchen, smiling brightly. “I could smell it all the way down the hall.”
She pauses when she sees the kitchen table. I draped a tablecloth over it and ordered a bouquet of fresh flowers for the centerpiece. The romantic setting is complete with candles and, instead of the typical red wine, homemade fruit-infused iced tea, ready and waiting. The perfect Romeo (and proud of it).
“What’s all this?” Her eyes glow in the candlelight.
I smile, giving her a kiss hello before placing my hand on her lower back and leading her toward the table. “I made you a special dinner.”
“Oh, my gosh, you did all this for me?” She’s clearly touched—her eyes start watering. “That’s so sweet of you. No man has ever cooked anything for me.”
“Hey, hey. Don’t cry?—”
“Seriously. Why did you do that?”
“Easy.” I smirk. “Something to get you fed—and ready for my bed.” I’m just kidding (but not). First and foremost, I want to cheer her up.
There’s no time for tears over here.
It seems to work.
“Dillan!” She smiles. “Ready for your bed? Is that what you just said?”
“I know you were thinking about it all day,” I tease. “Don’t lie.”
“It looks like you were thinking about it all day.”
I chuckle. “Okay, beautiful, the truth is, you’ve been working so hard that I wanted to do a little something nice for you.”
“Awww, you didn’t have to,” Lizzie half-protests, watching me pull out her chair for her.
“I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. Now, take a seat.” She obliges, and I gently assist her into the chair. As I pour her a chilled glass of the refreshing iced tea, I add, “The food should be ready any minute. How was work?”
“We were really busy, but people kept taking their sweet time so we couldn’t bus the tables. Ended up getting into it with a few drunks.”
“Lovely. Bet they really enjoyed that.” I go back to the stove and start to plate our food.
Lizzie doesn’t answer right away, too busy taking a large sip of her iced tea. “Oh, they really did. Demanded to see the manager and everything. I was able to smooth things over, but it was touch and go there for a few minutes.”
Again, I have to wonder what kind of place she works at. “So, where is the café you waitress at?”
“Oh…Staten Island. Everything go okay with Isaac?”
I notice her abruptly change the topic, and today, there is no way that’s going to fly. “Lizzie, you’re hiding something from me.”
