Page 5 of The Kitchen Contract

“This is going to be great,” Kayla says. “I can’t wait to watch your show!”

“So, when do we start?”

I give Alex my attention as I shift into planning mode, my mind racing with thoughts and ideas and horror at what I’ve just done. I take a stuttering breath and try to speak coherently. “I’ll need to do a little research on what filming equipment I need and order that, plus I need to figure out which dishes we should cook on the show. Do you have any food allergies?”

“Nope, I like all food and it likes me.”

It doesn’t escape my notice that he’s built pretty solidly, his biceps bulging when he leans back against the counter and crosses his arms. He looks like a guy who isn’t afraid to eat some protein if nothing else.

“Good, that’s good. I also need to do some market research about how long the videos should be, what kind of editing software to use, strategies to grow a YouTube following, and make a recording schedule…when are you usually available?”

His expression is bemused as I talk faster and faster, my mouth unable to keep up with everything happening in my brain. “How about if I give you my number and you can text me with a few times that work for you? I’m pretty flexible.”

“Okay, sure, I can do that.”

I pull out my phone and save his number in my contacts, my hands shaking with nervous energy.

“Alright, so I’ll expect to hear from you this week.”

I nod. “Yep, I’ll let you know as soon as I have a plan.”

“Then my work here is done. Thanks for the snacks and good company, ladies. And Trevor,” he adds as an afterthought. He waves with both hands as he backs out of the kitchen. “See you all later.”

When the door closes behind him, I turn to look at my friends. “Did that just happen?”

“Yes. You’re going to be an internet sensation!” Annie says.

I smile half-heartedly. I can’t think about any sensation other than the one I’m feeling right now—a cocktail of excitement and pure panic.

5

ALEX

Aglance at the clock tells me that another work week is nearly over. I’m relieved, but not because I’ve worked hard. In fact, I’ve done little in the way of being productive today since I’ve been entirely preoccupied with the fact that it’s been a week since I met Nora and I haven’t heard a single word from her. I’m starting to think it never happened, that my agreeing to let her use my kitchen and teach me to cook was just some weird dream induced by too much Kung Pao chicken.

Except that I very clearly remember the tangy sweet taste of those lemon things and the softness of her skin when we shook on the deal. I don’t think I could dream up the graceful curve of her lips or her expressive pale blue eyes. I’d been drawn to her in a way that had to have been real, just because of how strong the pull was.

I was hoping to hear from her early this week, maybe even plan to have her come over this weekend. Surely she’d like to look at the space or toss around some ideas on when and what to record. I’d invite her over if I could.

I should have gotten her number instead of giving her mine. Now if I want to follow up with her, I have to do it by way of my sister or sister-in-law, which is not ideal. I briefly consider letting it go, trusting that if it’s meant to be, it will be. But then I remember that that’s not the kind of guy I am and pull out my phone.

Have you heard from Nora? She hasn’t texted me about coming over to cook yet.

Annie replies quickly, much to my relief.

I’m sure she’s just been busy. Be patient and give her a few more days.

I drum my fingers against the edge of my desk. I don’t want to be patient. I want to get this show on the road, literally and metaphorically. Having had plenty of time to think about it since last Friday, I’ve only gotten more excited about the prospect of co-starring in a cooking show.

And about the prospect of getting to know Nora better.

The current extent of my knowledge is that she’s pretty, can cook, and is good at snappy comebacks —which is to say, she’s a triple threat. Maybe she’s also kind of crazy or has a disgusting nose-picking habit or thousands of dollars of gambling debt. But how am I going to discover if she has any deal-breaking flaws without getting to know her more?

Here’s the thing. You know I’m not good at waiting.

How about if I text her and find out where she’s at in the process?

You’re the best sister-in-law I have *winking emoji*

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