Page 117 of The Forever Rule

“Okay, that sounds great.”

“A creamy squash risotto, that also brings in the miso. And of course a tomato tart with a chickpea crumble.”

“How many leftovers are you planning?” I asked with a laugh, feeling marginally lighter. “Do you think Dorian will like any of that?”

“Dorian can go fuck himself.”

“I can do what now?” Dorian asked as he walked inside.

Theo beamed. “Just telling you to fuck yourself.”

“Oh that’s so wonderful. Thank you. And I’ll try anything once. You know that.”

I rolled my eyes, as Theo continued to lay out the menu, complete with a mushroom and thyme mini pot pie to go with the individually baked mini fruit pies for dessert.

“How the hell are we going to eat this much food?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Easy, you’re going to want to stuff your mouths because this is going to be the best food you’ve ever had in your life.”

“I knew I liked this guy,” Dorian said as he reached over to grab a vegetable off the tray. Theo slapped his hand.

I just grinned. “Well then, at least you’re beating up on someone else other than me.”

Theo ignored Dorian’s pleas. “I don’t beat up on you but stay out of my kitchen.”

“You know it’s my kitchen, right?” I asked.

“It is mine when I’m cooking.”

“Don’t you need a sous chef?” Dorian asked, and Theo raised a brow.

“It won’t be you. You burned water.”

Dorian rolled his eyes. “I burned the pan. I forgot that I was boiling water to make eggs. It happens.”

“Oh God, not the pan story again,” Flynn said as he walked into the kitchen, James by his side.

“It was one time,” Dorian spluttered.

Hudson followed them and shook his head. “Dorian trying to help cook again?” It was nice to see him since we barely saw him these days.

“I don’t know why we keep bringing up the story. I’m sure you’ve all burned things yourself.”

“Hush,” Theo said as he tossed salt over his shoulder. “We don’t bring that kind of negativity into my kitchen.”

“But apparently we throw salt in my kitchen?” I asked.

“Hudson, come help me cook. You’re the only one I trust.”

“I’m kind of hurt,” Flynn said, rubbing a hand over his shoulder. “I mean, I look just like that asshole, and you would think that I would be able to help as well.”

“I like Hudson better,” Theo said, grinning, and I left the chef and his sous chef in the kitchen as the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go get it,” James said, and I shook my head.

“No, we’re only missing one person.”

“Do you think she’s ready for us?” Flynn asked, but I didn’t say anything. Because I wasn’t sure I was ready for this. Dorian gave me a look, and I ignored him before going to answer the door.

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