Chapter 13 #2
“Well, Val was the dashing chef there, so that didn’t hurt.
” Her eyes are alight with the memory. “We became friends first, but it grew into more over the month of my stay.” She glances toward her husband, who is wearing oven gloves and handling a baking tray.
“For three years, we managed the distance until he moved here to marry me.”
“That’s so romantic.”
Eva squeezes my arm. “Maybe your visit will be just as life-changing.”
Her words hang in the air as we enter the busy kitchen. Chaz seeks me out. His fingers brush my cheek, and his voice is low and caring, just for my ears. “You okay?”
“Yes. Just a little out of my element, but I want to help.”
He smiles, handing me the serving utensils. “Here, take these to the table, and I’ll grab the salad.”
And just like that, he pulls me into their rhythm.
Soon, we’re all gathered around the table.
Pretty bowls of briny olives, a leafy green salad, and a basket of crusty bread are laid out on a bright yellow tablecloth.
At the center sits the main event—paella, fragrant with saffron and brimming with seafood.
Chaz leans close, showing me the traditional way to eat it straight from the large copper pan and how to scrape up the crispy socarrat from the bottom.
Conversation flows with every delicious bite, punctuated by laughter and Dice’s stories of their boyhood antics.
It’s nothing like the quiet, formal dinners I’d grown up with.
It feels like everything I’ve always wanted—that sense of belonging.
After the meal, Chaz is preparing the coffee when he slips me another sweet note.
Smitten, I tuck the small napkin into the sleeve of my dress, keeping it close. I brush a hand over his shoulder in a silent thank-you. He catches my wrist and presses a kiss to my palm as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
As the evening progresses, Val brings out a towering white confetti cake topped with flickering candles.
We sing “Happy Birthday,” Chaz’s deep baritone carrying the harmony.
Then Sophia opens her presents. She does a happy dance over the gift cards, a pretty diamond star necklace from her brother, and the stack of novels from me.
She jokes that she could open her own bookstore.
With their permission, I take pictures, capturing the warm family feels, and they insist I get in there, too.
But as the clock ticks toward ten, my pace slows.
My thoughts are taking a split second longer like my brain is operating in a fog.
I sip my carajillo, tapping my fingers against the glass mug, keeping myself engaged in the conversation.
I’ve had a great time, and I don’t want them to think I’m bored or ungrateful.
But I find my mind drifting more and more—a familiar signal that my social tank is close to empty.
Before anyone misinterprets it as boredom, I gather everyone’s attention.
“Thank you so much for a memorable evening, the best meal, and incredible people to share it with. I couldn’t have felt more welcome. ”
With hugs all around and promises to come back, Chaz walks me to my car, and I use the auto starter to warm up the engine.
“I’m glad you were here.” He takes my hands in his. “Did you have a good time?”
“Yes.” But worry sneaks in, and my impulse is to overexplain and apologize.
“I’m sorry if it didn’t seem that way toward the end.
After a lot of socializing, even with people who make it easy, I need some time on my own to recharge.
I hope I didn’t come across as distant. I’m not always sure how I’m being perceived when my energy starts to deplete, so I thought it best to leave when I did. I’d hate to offend any of you.”
“All that, Blue?”
“There’s more spinning, but that’s the gist of it.”
“Can we make a deal?”
“What?”
“No apologizing for being honest and telling me how you feel. It’s a privilege that you trust me enough to share what’s going on in your head.”
“I’d imagine it’s more of a burden.”
“I don’t feel that way, but I can see how exhausting it would be for you. I hope talking to me lightens some of your load.”
“Are you a real person?” I narrow my eyes, studying him.
“Is that a real question?”
“Sort of. I mean, you always say the right things. So, if you are computer-generated, a woman is definitely behind it.”
“Thanks. I think.” He grins, slipping his arms around my waist, sharing his body heat. “You didn’t offend anyone. They all loved you and want you to come back. Sophia might even have a girl crush.” He chuckles. “You made an amazing impression just by being yourself.”
A smile blooms on my face, feeling relief and something I wouldn’t dare name. Instead, I hug his shoulders, soaking in the comfort of his words and embrace.
“Cold?” he asks when a little shiver escapes me.
“No.” How could I be cold around him? “But my car’s probably warm by now,” I say. “I should let you get back to your sister’s birthday.”
“In a minute,” he murmurs. “There’s something I want to do first.”
“What’s that?”
“Kiss you. Would that be okay?”
I nod, sliding my hands from his shoulders to the back of his neck, feeling a second wind. “I was hoping you would.”