Page 95 of The Close-Up
“You’d really give up a free night on your own to do whatever you want to hang out with my family?”
“I really would.”
I snuggle into him once again. “I can’t believe you’d rather see my family than hang out with your friends. Or have the day to yourself.”
“It’s got nothing on you.”
“My mom wants you to judge everyone’spansit. It’s going to be like an episode ofChoppedwith everyone presenting you with plates of food and waiting to hear you say which one is best.”
He grins. “That sounds awesome. And delicious.”
“You honestly don’t mind?”
“Now you’re making me nervous. Is your family full of criminals or something?”
I laugh. “No, not even close. They’ll just make you eat until your stomach aches, then offer you even more food. One of my aunts or uncles will probably ask you a million times if you know how to play mahjong. And one of my little cousins will probably make you sing karaoke with them. I love it, but it can be a little overwhelming if you’re not used to it.”
“Sounds like a blast,” Simon says.
“Okay, then. Come with me.”
He presses a kiss to my forehead that makes me go gooey on the inside. I think back to that morning in Napa after our first night together, when we agreed to take things slow.
Whatever feels good and right to the both of us... We can do this on our terms, at our pace.
It’ll all be fine.
A second later Simon’s phone buzzes on the counter. I release him then move over to the stove when I see that the sauce is starting to bubble over.
“Oh. Wow,” he says at his screen.
“What?”
He glances up at me. “Cole just texted me. He and Tamara set a date for their vow renewal. This Saturday. At the San Francisco Mint.”
“That’s really quick. And what a setting.”
The San Francisco Mint is a stately venue with a classic revivalist aesthetic. It’s a popular place to host swanky weddings and parties.
“I guess when you’re madly in love, going all out is the only option,” Simon says.
I catch the look in his eye. It’s that gleam of intensity again. I can tell he’s so moved by Cole and Tamara’s re-declaring their love for one another. It’s so, so sweet.
“I’m sure you and the other guests will have an amazing time there,” I say.
“You’re invited too.” He holds up his phone to me. “They’re hoping you’ll feature their vow renewal inSimply Simon.”
A wave of excitement bursts through me. I almost drop the wooden spoon. “Oh, that’s a great idea! What an epic way to close out the series—with a wedding!”
“Vow renewal,” Simon corrects.
“Vow renewal, wedding, same thing.” I swipe my phone from the counter so I can email Fiona. I quickly type up a pitch to film the vow renewal as the finale. It’ll push back the scheduled airing a few days, but it’ll be worth it. With how successfulSimply Simonhas been, it’s running longer than most Dash series usually do because Fiona wants to ride the viewership wave for as long as possible. I can cut a couple teasers to air in the meantime all the while hyping up the wedding. That’s sure to garner loads of views.
I set my phone back down on the counter, then check the doneness of the pasta. Simon cuddles me from behind once more as I bite through a noodle.
“Is this al dente to you?” I ask, feeding him one.
He chews, his cheek pressed against mine. “It’s perfect,” he says after swallowing.
