Chapter 16 #2
‘I think Mom bought some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?’ Ripley rifles through the cupboard and pulls out a plastic container. ‘Aren’t you getting enough sugar from your daily baking videos?’
‘When it comes to sugar, Ripley, there is never enough.’ I take the treat and start eating. They are soft and chocolatey, not as good as homemade but they hit the spot. I would ask for milk, but I don’t want to push my luck. ‘Plus, I’ve been giving most of them to Aldrich to share at school.’
‘So, what’s up?’ Ripley asks, leaning against the counter. I notice she’s got a few notebooks out with lists on them.
‘What makes you say something’s up?’ I mumble through a mouthful of cookie, catching the crumbs before they land on the carpet and are lost to oblivion.
‘I’ve never seen you eat a cookie so fast.’ Ripley has a pen stuck in the bun on top of her head. I wonder how long it’s been there. She’s so organized. She probably just keeps one handy should she need to make a graph.
‘Have you seen me eat a lot of cookies?’ I flash a grin, brushing crumbs off the table and tossing them in the trash.
‘Have you been stalking me?’ This is what I need.
A conversation that isn’t being recorded, or that doesn’t have the weight of futures relying on it going smoothly, and doesn’t have to lead anywhere.
‘Change the subject much?’ Ripley’s got this little hidden smile that tugs at something in my gut.
I should find it frustrating that she doesn’t fall for any of my tricks.
People tend to like me right away, and being able to get in their good graces with ease has always been a saving grace.
It means I don’t have to think too hard.
And people don’t have to think too hard about me.
But working for her attention is kind of doing it for me.
‘Was it hard to do an elimination?’ Ripley says this a little quieter.
I take my time chewing, fishing around in my chest for any sadness that might be there from sending Sophia home. But I come up empty. It’s just a rattling chasm. ‘I don’t wanna sound like a jerk and say it wasn’t hard. I guess it was just different.’
‘You didn’t feel like you were sending your princess home? Still a chance for true love?’
I chuckle, popping the last bit of cookie in my mouth. ‘I think that title is still up for grabs. Guess your mom will be happy about that.’ I almost tell her about Riya, but what good would that do? I don’t want to get Riya in trouble or force Ripley to keep this secret from her mom.
Ripley picks at a spot on the counter. ‘As long as she’s happy about something. This whole thing has literally been her only concern the last six months.’ Her voice dips at the end.
‘Not you?’ No matter what my mom had to deal with, whether it was the park or when she got sick, her boys were always her primary concern.
Even when it should’ve been herself. It’s something I didn’t think about until after the fact.
When that person who cares about you more than anything is no longer there to do it, it is like this big gaping hole.
I didn’t have anyone to care any more. I know I have the rest of my family, but I don’t have my mom.
Tears sting my eyes and I blink quickly to make them stop.
‘Crap, I’m sorry I didn’t …’ Ripley trails off, not knowing what to say. ‘I know your mom …’
I shake my head, waving her off. ‘Nah, don’t worry about it.’
‘I know we’re not, like, friends or anything. But I’ve been told I’m a good listener, so if you need to talk.’
‘You’re a good listener?’
She throws a towel at me. I’ve deflected well enough, and I could just leave it at that, but I decide to add, ‘I want to make sure this thing works. Plus, my mom probably would’ve loved it too.’
‘I’ll make sure we do it right. Your mom will be proud.’
I’m often praised for how well I can make those around me feel at ease.
It’s something I actually really pride myself on.
It comes from some place deeper than charm and the witty comments.
Mom was like that too. Everyone always flocked to her because she made them feel special and included.
I spy that exact nature in Ripley – even if she hides it behind spreadsheets and time management.
She just wants to ensure everything goes smoothly and that no one has to worry about the little things.
She and I would make a good team. I’ll make everyone laugh while she makes sure we don’t end up missing our exit.
I nod toward the kitchen island. ‘You making an escape plan?’
She looks over her shoulder, twisting her bottom lip in that deep-thought way she does. ‘It’s Nathan’s birthday, so I was trying to throw together a quick thing for him tonight.’
I perk up, coming over to examine what she’s got so far. ‘You’re having it at Olive Garden?’
Ripley shrugs. ‘Nathan likes Italian food.’
‘You know we have Italian food here, right?’
Ripley raises an eyebrow. ‘You mean at the seafood restaurant?’
I blink in shock. ‘I’m surprised you knew that.’
‘I read up on the food locations as research. I watched a vlog of someone trying all the menu items.’ She says it like her dedication to information isn’t a true marvel of brain power. ‘But I wouldn’t exactly call that Italian just because they serve pasta.’
I gather up her lists in a single sweep.
‘What are you doing?’ She tries to take them from me, but I hold them in the air, out of reach. She jumps closer, body sliding down mine. My mouth goes dry as our eyes meet, hers widening. She backs away quickly, cheeks flushing pink. ‘Please, give those back.’
I clear my throat, navigating my plan back on track, but I’m distracted by the peach scent lingering between us. It suddenly feels like it’s a hundred degrees. ‘You have to know how to order. Plus, they make an amazing strawberries and cream cake, which I know Nathan will love.’
‘It’s kinda last minute.’ Ripley bites her thumbnail.
‘I’m the king of last minute. Let me handle all the details with the restaurant and we can surprise Nathan.’ I return the precious lists to her. ‘What do you say?’
She still looks dubious but nods. ‘OK, if you promise you can handle it.’
My face breaks into a wide grin. I might have a lot on my plate at the minute, but I will never pass up a chance to surprise someone.
‘Should we invite the girls? I don’t think Nathan would mind.’
‘No,’ I say way too quickly.
‘Why?’ Ripley’s eyes run over my face.
‘Because, it’s Nathan’s night and I don’t want to steal his spotlight.’ For once in my life, I’m looking forward to being a background character.