Page 31 of The Spy Ring

“Hi, David. It’s nice to see you again. I guess we’re getting started after dinner.” My eyes bounced between him and his mom.

“Yes. In fact, if you take a seat over at the dining room table, I can bring you your plate,” Tiffany said.

I turned back to her and was surprised to find several bowls filled with pasta as she was grating a hard cheese over top.

“Why don’t you get something to drink for you and Diego, David.”

I suddenly felt out of place. David knew what to do and helped his mother without her having to say a word. Just before he was ready to leave with two cans of soda in his hand, she turned to kiss his cheek.

“Mom,” he groaned as his eyes flickered to me before shuffling out of the kitchen.

“What can I do to help?” I asked.

“Just bring these plates back to the boys. Thank you.” She handed me two large plates with salad, forks, and a bowl full of pasta on them.

I easily found David’s room from the sounds of explosions and gun fire. The boys leaped up as I placed the plates on his desk. They awkwardly thanked me before shoveling some angel hair pasta into their mouth.

Once I came back out to the main area, Tiffany had already placed our plates on the dining room table.

As she came over I tried my best to pull out her seat in time, but she waved me off.

“I’ve gotten used to doing everything myself. It feels weird when someone tries to help. I guess I’m just not used to it,” Tiffany said as I insisted on helping to push her chair in before I took my seat.

“Being alone for a long time will do that to a person.” I smiled at her as the aroma of the food made my mouth water.

The small, round wooden table caused my knees to bump into hers. A jolt of electricity seemed to make me sit up a little straighter.

“I’m not used to this sort of thing either,” I said.

And I wasn’t. The past twenty minutes felt nothing like a ninja session and everything like a date. It caused my neck to burn with doubt and my heart to surge with wonder.

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