Page 46 of Designs on You

“Hazel, that’s very exciting,” Natalie said. “You’ll have to give me your account info so I can follow you and tell everyone I know about it.”

“Thanks.”

“I would also like to know about it,” their mother said.

“Sure, Mom. And, thank you.”

“She’s also writing a cookbook.”

Hazel’s fork stilled in midair as her gaze shot to Linc. “Dammit, Linc.”

He gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I didn’t know it was a secret.”

“A cookbook?” Natalie asked. “Hazel, this is awesome. I want details.”

“I will definitely fill you in and give you all the links.” She continued to eat, but stopped when she realized they were all staring at her.

“What?” Hazel asked.

“It’s a big endeavor to write a book,” Eugene said. “But after tasting your food, I can see why you’d do it. You should own your own restaurant.”

“That’s what I’ve always told her,” Linc said.

“You are pretty impressive,” Natalie said.

“It’s a huge endeavor, Hazel,” her mother said. “But your food is very good.”

Hazel blushed. “Come on. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Actually, it is. I’m very proud of you, Hazel.”

Hazel’s eyes widened. “Thanks, Mom.”

Even Natalie was shocked by her mother’s praise of Hazel’s endeavor. She didn’t offer it up easily, or often. Or at all, for that matter.

“Okaaay, now that you’ve all embarrassed me to death, who wants dessert?”

“There’s a dessert, too?” Eugene asked. “This could possibly be the best night of my life.”

“Dude, you need to get out more,” Linc said, then, when Hazel gave him a side-eye, he added, “I mean, yeah, Hazel makes phenomenal desserts. It is the best night of your life.”

All Natalie could do was laugh. Watching the brothers interact was truly a high point of her night.

At least so far.

After dinner, Mom had to make an exit, claiming that she had an appointment early in the morning on a house closing. They said their goodbyes to her and then gathered back at the table for Hazel’s incredible strawberry shortcake dessert that was fresh and delicious. Linc cleared the table and told Eugene to help him do dishes, which he did without a word.

“Huh,” Natalie said.

“What?” Hazel asked.

“Does that happen often?”

“Does what happen?”

Natalie inclined her head toward the kitchen.

“Oh.” Hazel took a sip of her wine and smiled. “Indeed. Linc said I do almost all the cooking, so it’s only fair that he handle the cleaning up after.”

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