Page 48 of Krash & Bern

Krash:

You must’ve taken cooking classes at that fancy school. You used to burn water.

Me:

I did not! You’re such a jerk, lmao. I will say I got my culinary degree from YouTube University. There are a lot of channels I watch faithfully to recreate dishes. I’ll make something easy.

Krash:

I’ll be there. What time do you want me to pull up?

Me:

Honestly as soon as you get done with your business you can pull up on me. I’ll be ready for you. This will be your first time in my home and I’m excited to let you into my world officially.

Krash:

Say no more, my love. I’ll see you as soon as I can.

I liked his message and focused back on the task as hand. I’d cleaned the fish tank, dusted off my bookshelf, and scrubbed the penthouse from top to bottom. I was a bit self-conscious about letting Krash into my world. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to finding out I’d allowed a man to abuse me for a long time. I didn’t want him to be disgusted with me, but the doubt and fear settled in my stomach. I swallowed the lump inching up my throat as I continued to clean and make tonight special.

It was hard for me to be vulnerable after building up such a strong set of armor to protect my heart from any more damage. It took almost four hours for me to clean, shower, and begin dinner.

While I moved around the kitchen, Jaelyn’s name and face popped up on my screen. I wiped my hand on the towel of my apron and swiped the arrow. When the call connected, I pressed the speaker button.

“Hey, boo!”

“Girl! Why have you been MIA?” she asked, though I knew she already knew the answer to her question.

“Are you genuinely asking about my whereabouts, or do you just want to pry into my new relationship?”

“A little of both. Since the article, I haven’t heard from you.”

I giggled. “I’m so sorry. Life has been moving kind of fast. Business is booming. Once we found a way to market my company with the news of me and Krash being a thing again, I’ve had so many new clients. We’ve been getting steady business, and I had to keep up with that while balancing life with a celebrity. Today’s the first day we both had a somewhat clear schedule. I’m actually cooking dinner for him right now.”

“Stuck on stupid again. I love that for you,” she sang into the phone.

“You’ve been doing your own thing too. Work been on your ass, but I’ve noticed your location not being at home a lot lately.”

“Oop, you in my business.”

“And is.”

She giggled. “Look, our friend day is next week. We’ll be sure to catch up then.”

“Facts. Then we can double date soon.”

Jaelyn laughed. “Maybe. What tutorial are you recreating tonight?”

“Steak bits and diced potatoes. I have them all in the same juices in the slow cooker.”

“I know that’s right, friend. Send me a picture when you make y’all plates.”

“And will!”

She laughed. “I guess I better let you go. Hit me up later.”

“Definitely. Love you!”

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