Page 14 of Dad's Cop Buddy

A ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO

KENDAL

Ioffer my help but Kent insists that I go shower and change while he puts the finishing touches on the dinner he’s preparing for us. When I return, I’m shocked to find that he’s placed candles and a floral centerpiece on the table. There’s a bottle of wine, two glasses, a freshly prepared salad, and two place settings.

“This looks very nice. I’m sorry that I don’t have better china or serving bowls. This place was our family vacation spot so it just has the necessities,” I shrug.

“It’s no problem. I found everything I needed. Sit down. Dinner is served.”

“What are we having?” I ask.

“Roasted chicken with my homemade stuffing and brown rice. I even made a chocolate cake for dessert.” He makes my plate for me and sets it back down in front of me. He kisses my cheek and sits down beside me.

A girl can get used to this.

“It really does smell amazing. You must be a wonderful cook.”

“Not really. I know how to make about three things, but this is the best one,” he laughs.

“My mother taught me to cook, but it doesn’t make sense to make extravagant meals to eat all by myself so I don’t cook often. I kind of miss it. It’s sort of therapeutic.”

“That settles it then. You’re making dinner next time.”

“It’s a deal,” I smile, hoping that there will be a lot of next times in our future together.

“I’ve been meaning to ask about your dad. Have you heard from him?”

“No, but I didn’t expect to either. The wicked stepmother takes up most of his time.”

“Really? Even with everything that’s going on, he hasn’t called for an update or to check on you?”

“Nope. I guess once he put you on the case, he felt like he had fulfilled his obligation.”

“I’ll call him tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. I plan to make him feel like shit for not calling you, too.”

I would protest this, but it feels so good to have someone actually care about me that I don’t want to dissuade him. Besides, my father could use a real kick in his ass, anyway. It’s about time.

“What about you? Do you have a family?” I ask.

“Not anymore. My parents are both gone, and I was an only child. I have an uncle who lives nearby and a few cousins, but we aren’t really close.”

“Look at us. We’re like a pair of orphans out in the world all on our own.”

“That’s why I’ve always wanted a slew of kids. That way, they would never know what it’s like to be out in the world all on their own.”

“A slew? Define slew.”

“I don’t know. Five, ten maybe,” he grins.

“Ten?”

“Just think how much fun it would be to make them all.”

“Do you think you’d get tired of a woman after making all those kids?”

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