“So, come on.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “Make an old woman very happy.”
“You’re not old,” I mumble around a mouthful of cookie.
“Maybe not, but it’s been a few years, and it’s not like I have any of that in me these days.”
A spray of cookie flies from my mouth at her innuendo. To start with, she looks horrified that I’ve just covered myself in half-chewed biscuit, but after a second, she realizes what she said and barks out a laugh of her own.
“I didn’t mean it quite like that, but if your mind is going there, at least I know you have exciting things to tell me.”
My cheeks burn, and as much as I might want to deny it, to not allow her to think of all the things I’ve been up to, I can’t. I realize right there and then just how incredible my time with Corey has been. Even his meltdown yesterday morning. If anything, that just showed me how strong he is, how he’s just like me.
“He turned up last night just because he needed to see me.”
My aunt swoons.
“Tell me what he’s like. What does he do for a living? What about his family? Are they here too?”
I tell her everything I know before coming to what I think is the most important part. “He’s lost people too. He … he gets it. He gets me. Neither of us have talked about it yet, but I can see it in his eyes.”
“That’s good, Harlow. I mean, not that he’s lost loved ones. But that you both have that understanding of loss. Maybe you’re meant to be. Maybe he was sent to you to help you finally heal from everything and move on.”
I’m not sure I entirely believe her, but I can’t deny that it sounds pretty damn good.
“I hope so. Something just feels so comfortable when we’re together.”
“So … when are you seeing him again?”
A smile breaks out across my face. “Tonight. I’m cooking for him, for when he finishes work.”
“What the hell are you doing here then?”
“Um … checking in on you.”
“Have you got everything in the car?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Bring it in. I want to help.” I stare at her. “I’ll remain seated at all times and just give you orders. What are you making?”
“Moussaka and cheesecake.”
“Right, well, let’s make sure it’s the best damn moussaka and cheesecake that man has ever tasted. You want to get back in his bed, right?”
My chin drops in shock. “You did not just say that.”
She gives me an innocent shrug and sips at her teacup like a lady. Lady my ass.
“I was with your uncle all my life, my dear. Don’t be thinking we were boring.”
“Christ. I’m going to get the groceries.”
I walk out of her house with a wide smile on my face and a new excitement for life that I haven’t felt in a very, very long time.
With the bestmoussaka and cheesecake ever made sitting safely in the footwell of my car. I make a quick pit stop at home to shower and dress for tonight.
I’m standing with one towel around my body and another bundled on top of my head when a knock sounds at my door.
“Is it safe to come in?” Brooke laughs.