Page 37 of Assigned

Chapter Sixteen

Lucas

Mason helps carry in the brown paper bags full of groceries. Luckily, Riley is out volunteering with the surf school, giving me enough time to surprise her with dinner. After she opened up to me about Crohn’s, I decided to do some research. Not that I couldn’t have asked Riley to tell me, but I didn’t want to put her on the spot. I also didn’t want her minimizing it. I knew what she was like. I hadn’t forgotten her playing that soccer match with a broken arm.

It was a lot to take in and I don’t ever recall noticing anything when we were growing up. Maybe that’s why she dumped my ass. Because I never noticed, never bothered to make the extra effort. I shake my head and concentrate on the task at hand. “Okay, buddy. Are you going to help me cook too?”

Mason rolls his eyes. “Maybe just a little. But I promised Parker we would play video games for a bit.”

I take in a big, slow breath. I swear part of me wants to chuck the console in the garbage. But now I don’t even have a leg to stand on when colleges have eSports teams. Or the multi-million-dollar prize tournaments. Who would’ve thought gaming would become a profession?

Not me.

“You can play for a bit, but you did promise to help out.”

Mason switches the bag of groceries to his other side. “Dad, I know, and I want to. Just not the cooking part.”

“Fine.”

Mason sets down the bag of food next to the stove and takes off. My son seems to be in better spirits when he’s here, but there are still issues at school, ones he refuses to share with me or Lisa, no matter how many times we ask. If only the boy would communicate, maybe we’d be able to find a solution. Not sure how I can expect the kid to understand that when the adults around him are still struggling with it, though.

After placing the bags in my arms down on the counter, I grab my phone and open the ebook app. Two days ago I purchased some recipe books for ideas on what to cook that Riley would also be able to eat. Then I had the great idea of surprising her with a dinner made especially for her by me.

So far everything is going to plan. The store had fresh salmon and all the other ingredients that I need to make the avocado-pineapple salsa. The pictures in the ebook make the plate look mouthwatering. Hopefully, I can replicate it. I can cook, had to growing up, especially with both parents working more than one job. I also enjoy the idea of having someone to cook for. Though, I don’t want to end up like Stephens, always cooking for Taya.

I snort, imagining Taya attempting to help. She’d most likely end up rubbing her eyes after cutting up the jalapeño and onions. Not sure how Stephens manages. Taya has nearly set fire to the kitchen a couple of times, twice after giving birth to Otto. My teammate claims it’s because his wife gets easily distracted by the baby, but I think Taya’s just not cut out to cook. Lord help Stephens and Otto. The only thing that woman should make for dinner is reservations.

After setting out the ingredients on the counter and making sure the recipe is pulled up on the screen, I get to work. Surprisingly the salsa is easy to prepare and the salmon will go in the oven in about twenty minutes.

Just enough time to set up for a romantic evening.

After washing my hands, I grab the flowers I purchased and carry them into the dining room. This is the one room I love in the house. The space is grand, to say the least. The huge mahogany table takes up most of the vast area. I place the flowers in the center between two tall, silver candelabras holding smooth white candles.

Not sure when the fine china was last used, but tonight is as good as any holiday. Glad Lisa decided to leave it behind. Then again, with her upcoming wedding, I’m sure she’ll get something newer. Once the table is set, I head back into the kitchen and preheat the oven. Time to get ready myself.

After running up the stairs and into my room, I strip down and take a quick shower, planning what to wear. Suit sounds good. Just as I turn off the water, the oven beeper goes off. Time to cook the salmon. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I rush back downstairs and place the fish inside the oven to cook.

“Mason, time to get ready!”

Yup, my son decided he wanted to be our server for tonight. Granted, there was a bribe involving a Big Mac, which he leapt at, since he’s hardly ever allowed to eat fast food.

As I reach the stairs to head up to my room, Mason comes barreling up from the den. “What am I wearing?”

“Whatever you want.”

He frowns. “Well, what are you wearing?”

“A suit.”

Mason frowns. “I only have one, and it’s at Mom’s.”

I chuckle. “How about you wear a polo shirt and some khaki shorts?”

He nods and pushes past me, bounding up the stairs to his room. I follow, but turn right when I reach his door to get back to my room. Our room. The room Riley and I now share every night. The room where I fall asleep and wake up with her in my arms.

As I pull the suit from the closet from next to a row of her dresses, I spot my reflection. “Fucking hair is a mess.”

Just one other thing to do. No big deal. After a few minutes with a blow dryer, some gel, and a brush, my hair is perfect. Now to get dressed.

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