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“Stay!” She ran to Jade and grabbed her hand. “Please?”

Jade looked down with wide eyes. “Did you just say please without me having to ask you to?”

“I really want you to stay.”

“Well . . .” Jade’s voice was low. “Who could say no to that?”

I was definitely giving Agnes ice cream tonight.

“What did you make?” Agnes asked, walking up to the stove.

“It’s simmering, so be careful.” I put a hand in front of her. “It’s butter chicken.”

“That doesn’t smell like butter and chicken.”

“It’s a recipe from India. My mom used to make it. Butter is in it, though.”

“Dale had everything you needed to make it?” Jade asked.

“You know there’s nowhere better to go in Strawberry Springs.”

“At least you won’t get in trouble.” Jade walked to the table and sat. I had to tear my eyes away from her. It felt like she belonged here. I knew I wouldn’t want her to leave if I let myself think that way.

“It’s ready,” I said. True to my word, I gave Beatrice rice and gave Agnes rice with the curry on top. I made Jade’s bowl, making sure to give her extra.

We all sat around the table. Agnes eyed the curry with a wary expression.

“Is it gonna be bad?” Agnes asked.

“I’ll try it first,” Jade offered.

Agnes nodded.

Jade got a spoonful and dipped it in rice. Then her eyes went wide. “Oh, fuck. It’s even better than I remember.”

I perked up immediately. “You like it?”

“Unfortunately, yes. You’re still an incredible chef.”

“It stinks,” Beatrice said.

“No, it smells good!” Agnes put some on her spoon. “It’s my turn.” She took a bite. I waited with bated breath. When it hit her tongue, she paused to consider it. Then she took another bite.

Then another.

“You can mix it with the rice,” I said.

“No rice. Just this.” She was shoveling it in now.

I’d never seen her eat like this before.

Beatrice, yes.

But not Agnes.

I couldn’t help but smile. I’d been worried about giving them anything other than what Alice made for them, and Agnes hated everything I offered. This was the first time she enjoyed it.

And it was my recipe.