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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Talented in the Kitchen
Logan
Watching Stephanie and her friends take up their seats, my eyes locked with hers and I couldn't help but smirk when she blushed at my attention. It had only been a few hours since the conversation I had with my sister, but ever since she pointed out that Stephanie might not have gotten over me, I started seeing signs Mia might be right.
Rubbing her lips together, I noticed she wore a soft shade of pink that matched the apples of her cheeks perfectly. Bringing my attention back to her full lips, it took all my self-control not to go over and kiss her.
Regaining control over my emotions, Stephanie and her friends seemed happy enough to hang out in the VIP section with a couple of drinks while Ronnie and I continued making the food.
As everyone entertained themselves, I had the German meatballs sautéing on the stove but something seemed off. Hearing Stephanie giggles in the background, I turned towards the sound as her sweet laugh settled into my chest.
Reminiscing about some antics she and her girlfriends have gotten into over the last couple of years, it was nice to know she built a life for herself. Watching her from afar, Stephanie’s chestnut-colored hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders tonight instead of the tight ponytail she wore earlier.
Sharing a story of his own, Seth tells the one about the time Steve, John and I missed our bus headed home after an away game. The story was one I’d rather forget, but because of its nature, it was one told many times.
“So the guys call me from the strip club complaining they're hungry and hungover so I tell them to order some food and sit tight. I’ll cover the tab when I get there,” he laughs. “So, it takes me an hour, maybe two to drive back to…” he trails off. “Where was it?”
“I believe it was Hamilton.”
“Right. So, yeah it took me two hours to get back to the Falls with the team and then drive back out to Hamilton to pick up those three. By the time I got there, the three of them were dancing up on stage at a strip club in order to cover the bill I was set to cover.
“Oh my God,” Jade laughed, covering her mouth. “I would have paid good money to see that,” she teased, slapping her hand down on the bar.
Glancing at me over the rim of her glass, Stephanie’s eyes flicked toward me and I felt like I had wronged her in some way.
Was she jealous?
I wondered as a warmth climbed up my neck.
She hadn’t been holding out hope for us all these years, had she?
Sending up a silent prayer for this story to be over, I felt everyone’s eyes on me, as I offered a forced smile.
It takes several minutes before Stephanie’s eyes reach my gaze again but this time there’s this sad look about her and it breaks my heart. Needing a way to escape this guilt I felt weighing in my chest, now seemed like the time to serve that cucumber salad I had chilling in the fridge.
Wetting my lips, I pushed off the stove and walked over to the show kitchen’s personal fridge. Tugging it open, I reached inside. “Oh look, the cucumber salad has chilled,” I announced, pulling it from the shelf.
Chuckling under his breath, Ronnie whispered, “Nice save.”
Sending him a look, I carried the salad back to the counter and began serving as the conversation steered back to less exciting events. Watching the group taste the first dish, there was nothing but loud chatter and appreciation over the food. Smiling from her seat, the satisfaction of a job well done showed on Stephanie’s face as she too polished her plate.
Stressing over the next dish, I began second-guessing everything Opa taught me. Checking the recipe after each step I took, something didn’t seem right.
“You’re doing fine,” Stephanie whispered softly.
Sending her a grin, it was just like Stephanie to comfort me at a time like this. “You think so?”
Giving me a simple smile, she nods. “You’re doing great,” she whispers, and I could feel the love she held for me as she covered my hand with hers.
“Are you going to tell us what you’re cooking?” She asked, changing the subject.
“Remember Opa’s German meatballs?”
Stephanie’s face lit up. “Please tell me that’s what I’m smelling right now?” She said, the happiness blooming inside my chest at the revealing statement.
“It is, but I’m not sure the sauce is right. Would you taste it?”
