Page 12 of Rousing Renee

Nervously, I stepped inside, fidgeting with my hands the entire time.

“I didn’t mean to intrude. I only wanted to make sure you were okay.” Something smelled good coming from the kitchen.

“No, I’m fine. Trust me, I’ve had drinking benders that have left me asleep for days. Though those days are behind me. If I could handle those, the bourbon was a cakewalk.”

“I see.”

“Yeah. Water?” he asked.

“No, thank you.”

“Grilled cheese?”

“Who says no to that?” I scoffed, following him into the kitchen area. There was an island in the center of the room where I took a seat while he went back to it.

“The key to making it crispy is mayo. And if you’re like me and still need that buttery taste, one side mayo, one side butter.” He handed me the one already on a saucer and he pulled out the ingredients to make more.

“I don’t want to inconvenience you, Ezra.” I spoke the words to him, but my eyes were on this delicious-looking sandwich.

“It’s nothing. Besides, I owe you.”

“For?”

“Leaving the water, Tylenol, and salted peanuts on the table.”

I grunted because I’d hoped he didn’t remember. On my way out, I’d remembered the salted nuts I had left over from lunch and left them there, so he’d have something to eat with the medicine.

“It was nothing.”

“No, it was everything. I didn’t have to move far to get what I needed. That was thoughtful of you. So now… I’m showing gratitude.” He placed a bowl of piping hot tomato soup in front of me. “Enjoy.”

I put my purse and backpack in the seat to my left. Then, I dug in.

“There’s no way this is from a can.” I pointed to the tomato soup. “It’s so good!”

“No, I made it myself.”

“Mmm… you can get drunk whenever you want if I get this afterward.” I was only half joking. The soup and sandwich were delicious.

“There will be no more nights like last night for the rest of the summer. I have to focus.”

Shortly after, he sat down to my right with three sandwiches on his plate. He took one off and placed it on mine. “Just in case you want another.”

“Thank you.” However, I was more than full from the first one and the soup. “Do you have foil or parchment paper for me to wrap it in?”

“I do. I should have something to put more soup in as well.”

I smiled. “I get spoiled easily, so watch it,” I joked.

“Noted.”

I blushed hard and my watch beeped at me, alerting me to the time. “Oh no, I have to hurry to work.” I stood up and gathered my things.

“Go. I’ll bring your lunch to you a little later on.”

“Are you sure?” I felt bad that I had to rush off. I hadn’t expected to sit down for lunch when I stopped by.

“I am.” He nodded. “I’ll see you later.”

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