33. Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Three
T he morning sunlight poured through the translucent curtains in my modest kitchen, its golden beams dancing softly over the worn countertops. I held a lukewarm cup of coffee between my hands, its gentle heat barely warming my skin, while my eyes remained glued to my phone. There, Soren’s number lay silently on my call list— untouched, its possibilities unanswered.
I had been weighing his offer more than I cared to admit. I was comfortably ensconced in my solitude, wasn’t I? Yet the thought of Elias stirred a contrasting warmth: his inviting smile, his effortless candor.
With a heavy sigh, I lowered my coffee and shifted my attention to a task that brought clarity— cleaning. It was my antidote to the tumult of thoughts, a way to anchor my restless mind with the simple act of organizing. I collected the abandoned laundry from the neglected corner of my room, tossing the soft garments into the humming washing machine. Then, I wandered into the kitchen, scrubbing the counters with a vigor fueled by more than mere necessity. The rhythmic motion of cleaning, each stroke mimicking the steady beat of my heartbeat, was a comforting constant in my chaotic thoughts.
As I methodically wiped down the table, my phone vibrated with the unexpectedness of a new message. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I hesitated before picking it up.
Soren: Hey. Doing anything today? Feel like coming over like I suggested yesterday?
I stared at the message, my thumb hovering uncertainly above the screen. Before I could drown in overthinking, another buzz broke the silence. This time, it was Elias.
Elias: Trying a new bread recipe today. Might burn the kitchen down. Also making some new jams— blackberry-mint and honey-peach. If you’re around, you should come over to taste-test.
A small smile began to tug at my lips, warming me from the inside. Elias had an uncanny ability to make everyday moments feel effortlessly delightful. His message was a soothing balm compared to the tightly coiled anxiety that the thought of Soren invariably stirred within me.
Instinctively, I tapped out a playful reply to Elias first: Sounds dangerous. Should I bring a fire extinguisher?
Almost immediately, his response chimed in.
Elias: Please do. Also, if I set off the smoke alarm, I’m blaming you for distracting me.
I shook my head, a knowing smile lingering long after his words faded from the screen. Elias was a safe harbor— the familiar in a sea of uncertainty. Yet, my eyes gravitated back to Soren’s message, anchoring me in a pause.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I began to type a response: Maybe. Let me think about it.
Setting my phone aside, I picked up the broom once more and resumed my cleaning, the soft swish of its bristles mingling with my swirling thoughts. I did want to spend more time with them all, but at the same time it feels like I am in a whole different world when I do. I shook my head getting rid of the thoughts as I completed my sweeping, and my phone buzzed again.
Soren: Fair enough. No pressure. But you should come and enjoy the night of relaxing and us catering to your every need.
I shook my head at this, my lips stretching into a grin. As I wrestled with the pros and cons of going tonight, another message arrived— one more from Elias.
Elias: Also, if you do come, you can taste test ALL the new products… I have more than just preserves. I have a new tea blend I just finished.
A quiet laugh escaped me as I shook my head in amusement: So you’re bribing me with carbs and tea now?
Elias: Absolutely. Whatever it takes.
Before I could let self-doubt reclaim its hold, I quickly texted back: Fine. You and Soren win. I can see you two were in cahoots today. See you soon.
I set my phone aside and draped my coat over my arm, the promise of fresh bread and sweet jam beckoning me onward. By the time I reached the front door, the persistent buzz of my phone startled me once more. With a moment of hesitation, I checked it.
Soren: I saw your message to Elias. Yes… we are both willing to play like this to get to see your pretty face again. See you soon.
I snorted, but my smile grew. I was going to enjoy the day at their home. I knew Lucian and Finn may also be there so that was going to be a plus.
The drive to their home felt shorter than I remembered, my anticipation building with each passing mile. As I pulled up to the familiar house, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I made my way to the front door.
Before I could even knock, the door swung open, revealing Elias with a broad smile on his face and a dusting of flour on his cheek. "You made it!" he exclaimed, his hazel eyes twinkling with genuine delight.
I couldn't help but return his infectious grin. "Well, I couldn't resist the promise of potentially burning down a kitchen, could I?"
Elias chuckled, stepping aside to let me in. "Don't worry, everything's still intact. For now." As I stepped inside, the warm aroma of baking enveloped me like a comforting hug.
Soren, who was just turning to walk into the living room, grinned at me, “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," he teased, his purple eyes gleaming with warmth.
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as I met Soren's playful gaze. "Well, I couldn't resist the promise of being catered to," I quipped back, surprising myself with my boldness.
Soren's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his purple eyes. "Oh, we'll definitely be living up to that promise," he said, his voice low and warm.
Before I could respond, Elias gently placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me towards the kitchen. "Come on, let's get you set up as our official taste tester," he said, his tone light but his touch sending a small shiver down my spine.
“Now sit here.” Elias set me at a stool that was beside the large island in the middle of the kitchen.
“First things first," he said, his hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. "You've got to try this." On the plate was a slice of what looked like freshly baked bread, golden and crusty, with a dollop of deep purple jam on top. The aroma wafting from it was heavenly.
"Blackberry mint?" I guessed, remembering his earlier text.
Elias nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. Go on, give it a try."
I picked up the slice, the bread still warm in my hands, and took a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - the tartness of the blackberries perfectly balanced by the subtle freshness of mint, all complemented by the hearty, rustic bread.
"Oh wow," I murmured, my eyes widening in delight. "This is incredible, Elias."
His face lit up at my praise, a warm glow of pride and happiness radiating from him. "I'm so glad you like it," he said softly, his hazel eyes holding mine for a moment longer than necessary.
Soren leaned against the counter, watching our interaction with an amused smirk. "Careful, Lydia. If you keep praising his cooking like that, his ego might get too big to fit in the kitchen.”
I laughed at Soren's teasing, the tension I had felt earlier melting away in the warmth of their easy banter. "I think his ego is well-deserved if everything tastes this good," I said, taking another bite of the bread and jam.
Elias shot Soren a playful glare. "Don't listen to him," he said to me with a wink. "He's just jealous because he can barely boil water without burning it."
I laughed softly. It was clear there was a deep bond between these men, despite their teasing.
"Hey now," Soren protested, pushing off from the counter to come closer. "I'll have you know I make an excellent cup of coffee."
"Pressing a button on a machine doesn't count as cooking, Soren," Elias retorted with a grin.
I couldn't help but giggle at their exchange, feeling more relaxed than I had in a long time. "Well, I for one am grateful for Elias's cooking skills," I said, taking another bite of the delicious bread and jam.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it. I have a few more flavors for you to try if you're up for it." Elias told me, making me grin at the thought of all the things he could have made.
"Absolutely," I nodded eagerly. "What else do you have?" As Elias busied himself preparing more samples, Soren moved closer, his presence a warm, solid comfort at my side.
I could get used to this warm feeling of being here with them— we were just missing Finn and Lucian. Glancing back at the two, my smile grew. Yes, I definitely could get used to it.