Page 69 of Rejected Broken Mate

She laughed, "Actually, it's all him. He was the one who suggested flowers because they make any meet and greet look nice."

She turned and headed into the kitchen, and I followed. The space was rather spacious, and she had pasta in a large pot. The smell almost made me drool.

"That looks like the orange sauce pasta you made in college."

"That's because it is," she said, smiling. "Michael and I went through my college box a few weeks ago, and I remembered I used to make this. So, I decided tonight would be a good night, too."

I took a seat in one of the chairs and watched her stir. She was wearing a more relaxed outfit: sweatpants and a pink sweater that looked a little worn.

"You look like a mom."

She turned, making a face. "What?"

I shrugged. "You do. You look like a mom."

She scowled, and I pulled my hand up. "It's a compliment. I just mean… you're always looking so professional, so put together at work. I haven't seen a relaxed version of you. You were dolled up even when we ran into each other at the farmers market."

She blushed, turning back to her pasta. "That's because I'm comfortable."

Knowing that made me smile. She moved, and I could see something sparkle around her neck.

"What's hanging around your neck?"

She paused, and her hand went up to it. She smiled. "You don't remember this?" She walked over, showing me a locket. I suddenly remembered buying it. It was just a couple of months before college was over. I bought it so she didn't miss me, with finals around the corner.

"I figured you got rid of all that stuff."

She shook her head. "No, I couldn't."

I was a little surprised. As much as she disliked me when we split up, I figured she would have burned everything I ever gave her. I never expected her to keep it all.

"And I'm sorry for all this," she said softer. "I wish I could change it."

After everything, I didn't care how we got here. I was just happy that we were.

"I don't know why you're apologizing. I'm the one that broke up with you."

"I should have told you." I could see tears building in her eyes.

"Please don't cry," I said, softening my words. "Mostly because if Michael sees it, he's going to think I did something and hate me even more."

She started to laugh, wiping at her eyes. "He's opened up a lot about the idea since our talk. I think he just needed time to understand."

"Did you just sit and praise me?" I smirked. "It's almost like you're secretly in love with me."

She rolled her eyes as she grabbed a few plates. "And it's almost like you're secretly in love with me."

I leaned forward. "It's not a secret, Laura. I am."

She blushed again, and I heard the back door open and shut. Laura quickly tried to pull herself together and smiled at Michael. He walked towards us, holding the flowers. "Here, mom."

I suddenly grew envious of the word. Mom. I ached for him to call me his dad, but I swallowed the emotion and smiled. "Nice."

Michael looked at me momentarily before he rounded the counter, pulling the flowers into the vase. Laura ruffled his hair, and he blushed, pushing her hand away. He looked at me. "We cooked pasta."

"I see, you helped?"

He nodded his head, and then his eyes went to my sling. "Does it hurt?"

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