Page 49 of Crash and Burn
“What the hell? How did I get nominated for cook?”
Marley shrugs. “Sounded like a good idea.”
“And I second it so it’s settled,” Minx adds.
I shake my head. “There’s no getting out of it, is there?”
“Nope!” They say in unison.
“You’re lucky you’re cute.” I point at Marley. “Just know, I’m not taking requests. You eat what I make or you don’t eat at all.”
“Yes, sir.” Marley salutes me and I can’t help but laugh.
“Mar, would you like something to drink?” Minx offers.
“I’ll have some water. I’ve taken a couple hits of my pen and don’t like to mix drinking with smoking,” Marley says.
“You got it!” Minx goes to the cabinet for cups and fills them both up with water. The two of them move to the living room and collapse on the couch. I scour the cabinets and fridge to see exactly what we have and what I can cook. I decide on a meatloaf. My grandmother’s recipe to be exact. I begin gathering everything I’ll need for it.
I set the oven to preheat and get started mixing everything together. I watched and helped my grandma make this meal so many times, I don’t even need to follow a recipe. She always eyes her measurements when she makes it, and that’s how I learned, too. Once I have the seasonings mixed in with the hamburger, I form it into a loaf and place it into a casserole dish to bake. As I finish washing my hands, the oven dings, letting me know it’s ready. I slide the casserole dish into the oven and start to work on peeling potatoes.
“How’s it going over here?” Marley moves to the sink to fill up her water.
“Lonely. Wanna keep me company?” I wink at her.
“You sure you don’t want some space?” I deserved that. She walks away without another word. The corner of my mouth twitches as I fight a smile and I shake my head. The sass is strong with her. I have a lot of groveling to do to get back in her good graces. I have a few ideas up my sleeve.
Right before dinner is ready, Raze makes his way out of their room. He stops in the living room, giving Minx a kiss before coming to sit at the kitchen bar.
“Have a nice nap, Sleeping Beauty?”
He flips me off. “What smells so good? Did Minx make dinner?”
“No, asshole. I made dinner.”
Raze’s eyebrows shoot up. “The women talked you into cooking?”
“Something like that.”
Ten minutes later, we’re all sitting around the kitchen table. Good food and great company. Hiding out here won’t be so bad.
