Page 36 of Just Friends

“That’s horrifying.” Autumn reached over and hugged her.

Rebecca nodded. “Yeah, but now there’s soup.”

Hannah and Justin entered carrying the alcohol. “We have wine and beer,” Hannah announced. She sat the bag on the narrow counter next to the sink. Justin pulled open the refrigerator and slid the case onto a shelf and left the room. Compared to the professional grade kitchen in the barn, this was lackluster, but it contained all they needed for that evening. “Who wants wine?” Hannah sang. Her sweater a bright coral visible from space, but it worked with her coloring and was attractive on her.

“I’d love some,” Autumn said.

“What smells so good?” Hannah asked as she busied herself with trying to remove the cork from a bottle.

“Venison stew,” Autumn responded. “Weasel killed the deer for her.”

“He did what?” Hannah fumbled the corkscrew and nearly dropped the bottle just as Ben, Brandon, and Daniel came in.

“Where’s Danny?” Rebecca tried to change the subject.

“He’s with my mom,” Autumn answered. “Now tell them about the deer.” And forced her to recount the story. Thank goodness Weasel wasn’t there, yet. They all chuckled at the tale of the dead deer delivery, far more amused than she was. Although part of her was flattered by the gesture, but she would never admit it. Besides, they’d already slept together, and he wouldn’t be interested anymore. So, she didn’t have to worry about him.

The backdoor slammed, and she expected to find Weasel, but Dustin stood there. “Hi.” He said sheepishly to everyone staring at him.

“Guys,” Rebecca spoke up, “this is Dustin. He was the sous chef at the anniversary party here, and I invited him.” She introduced the others, and the men dispersed to the living room.

“Are you crazy?” Hannah whispered. She pulled the cork from the bottle and poured three glasses. “Weasel will kill him.”

“Don’t be silly. No one is killing anyone.”

“I don’t know…” Autumn replied full of hesitation.

Dan stuck his head around the kitchen door. “You know dude’s a dead man, right?”

Rebecca rolled her eyes, and the oven timer rang out. “We’re just friends.” She bent and removed the bread. Then, she grabbed a glass of wine, downed a gulp, and sighed. “It’s ready,” she called out. Everyone filed through filling bowls and retreating until she was alone with Dustin. He waited at the end of the line next to her.

“Hey, thanks for inviting me,” he said.

“Sure… I hope you like the stew.”

“I’ve never had venison, but this smells amazing.”

“Well, that’s nerve wracking.”

“Why? I have nothing to compare it to, so you’re free and clear.”

She snickered. “I guess you have a point. It would be the deer you don’t like.”

“Exactly.” He smiled and rubbed a hand along her arm. “Where’d you go to culinary school?”

“Drexel; you?”

“Walters State,” he sat his palm on the counter; moved in close. “Since you’re not a caterer are you cooking anywhere?”

“The Ellis Diner over on the square.”

“I’ve heard the food is great, but why are you there with a classically trained background? Former drug problem?”

Rebecca laughed. “No… It’s a long story I don’t want to get into it right now.”

He shifted closer. “I wouldn’t mind hearing it sometime.”

“Let’s get you that bowl of food.” Rebecca turned and gripped the ladle. One of his hands rested on her lower back and the other on her side; his breath in her ear; far too close for comfort. There wasn’t any spark or interest. This was only an invitation to dinner; not realizing his expectations were different.

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