Page 4 of The Kitchen Contract

Iblink rapidly, not sure I understand what’s happening right now. Did a man that I only met three minutes ago just agree to host me and my nonexistent YouTube cooking show in his kitchen?

I edge toward Annie and partially cover my mouth with my hand, whispering, “I don’t even know this guy. Is he cool?”

Annie laughs. “Sorry about that. Nora, this is my brother-in-law, Alex. Alex, this is my friend Nora. I can’t believe y’all have never met before.”

“Hey, she’s my friend too,” Kayla says with a playful frown. “I’m the one who invited her to book club, remember?”

“I remember, but I think she likes me better.”

I smile at their banter and turn my attention back to Alex. “Inviting me into your kitchen is a big offer.” I wave my hands in front of me. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t. They did.” He gestures with a finger between Kayla and Annie. “And I said yes.”

“But I don’t think you understand what you’re getting into.” Actually, I don’t all the way understand either. I mentioned my dream of hosting a cooking show to a few ladies at book club a month or two ago, but I never thought it would actually happen. I certainly don’t have any kind of plan or credentials or…really anything that would make me feel prepared for this.

“You would come to my house and use my kitchen to cook food for your show, right?”

“And teach you how to cook in the process,” Annie reminds him.

“And teach me how to cook,” he agrees.

“Yes, but I think it will be a bit more work than you’re expecting.” My mind is racing as I try to think through what recording a cooking show would actually look like. “I’d have to set up filming and cooking equipment ahead of each show, record the episode, and clean everything up. Depending on the recipe, it could take several hours to do all that.”

“That’s fine.”

I can’t understand how he’s so calm about this. He doesn’t even know me, a fact that I quickly point out.

“Wouldn’t you feel a little weird about having a stranger in your home?”

He studies me with a grin. “You’re not a creeper, are you? Is this your way of warning me that if I let you in, you’ll install hidden cameras to watch me sleep and steal my valuables one at a time so I don’t notice they’re going missing?”

I can’t hold back a surprised laugh. “Or is this your way of diverting the attention away from yourself so I won’t suspect that you plan to lock me in your basement with a bunch of porcelain dolls that look like me?”

His gaze holds mine as he shakes his head, that goofy grin still in place. “You got me. My dolls need a mama.”

Kayla gives an amused huff. “Sounds like you two are a perfect match.”

I study him appraisingly. He seems of sound mind and good humor. And I know Kayla and Annie would never have suggested this plan if he was sketchy. I mean, he’s Annie’s brother-in-law, after all.

But even if he’s the coolest guy on earth, this still feels weird. I can’t understand why he’s offering this.

My smile fades. “Let me get this straight. I would get a location to cook in and a student to teach for the show. But what’s in it for you?”

Alex shrugs. “How about I get to keep all the food we cook?”

I squint at him. “So you’re saying the way to your kitchen is through your stomach?”

“I guess I am. We’ve already established I can’t cook, and eating take-out by myself gets a little old, so yeah, I’m willing to trade for some home-cooked meals.”

I nod, considering his answer and trying not to give in to the feeling of overwhelm crowding in on me. Five minutes ago, I was packing up to go home and read on my couch before bed. Now, it seems that several key pieces have fallen into place for me to potentially start a project I’ve dreamt of, but never seriously considered. It’s a lot, to be honest.

The biggest question is, can I actually do this? Location notwithstanding, can I really record and edit video material that’s high enough quality for other people to watch? What if my recipes aren’t good enough? What if I clam up in front of the camera and lose all ability to speak? I’ve heard of people developing selective mutism in stressful situations and now I’m wondering how common that is.

But underneath the doubts, I feel a tiny flicker of hope that is asking a different question. What if this is the change I’ve been waiting for, the move that could take me out of my rut and in a new direction? What if this is my opportunity to step toward a life I’m excited about and redeem myself?

But this is happening so fast. I’m a plotter, a planner, an over-thinker. I need time to consider every possible scenario. Pro/con lists are my love language. I barely even know the meaning of the word impulsive. Which is why no one is more surprised than me when the flicker of hope ignites into a flame and the next words out of my mouth are, “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Alex’s already huge grin somehow widens even further, and he extends a hand for me to shake. His hand is warm and his grip is firm. Annie and Kayla clap and cheer, taking turns hugging me as they squeal.

---