Chapter 10 #2
"Get back to work," I finally barked at the guys, but they laughed at me. Apparently, my bark wasn't so scary anymore.
I turned my attention to the pies, plating more to keep up with demand.
I told myself I'd invited Eve over to my parents' house because we were supposed to be broadcasting our relationship to everyone.
But it was more than that. I didn't want her to be upset because it was her first holiday without her parents.
After the meal was served and cleaned up, I headed to my parents' house, looking forward to a good dinner and relaxing for the rest of the day.
Then there was the added bonus; Eve was stopping by. I looked forward to seeing her with my family.
At my parents' house, I found Mom in the kitchen with Sofia helping her cut potatoes.
Mom barely looked up. "How was the mission?"
I washed my hands in the sink. "Good. There were a lot of people there."
Mom nodded. "That's a good thing you do."
"I invited Eve to stop by for dessert later."
Mom's concerned gaze lifted. "Does she have somewhere to go for dinner?"
I grabbed a cracker and placed a slice of cheese on top. "The Sterlings invited her over."
"Oh, that's right. Ford is renovating Mistletoe Inn, and he used to date Natasha. I'm glad the Sterlings are taking care of the girls. It's their first Thanksgiving without their parents."
Sofia glanced up. "She lost her mom. Just like me."
Mom nudged her shoulder. "She might be feeling a little down."
"That's why I invited her to come over for dessert."
Sofia's eyes brightened. "I can't wait to see her."
When Sofia was done with her potato, Mom asked, "Why don't you make sure Grandpa is behaving and not sneaking any cookies?"
Sofia hopped off the step stool and ran into the living room. She loved spending time with both of my parents.
Mom placed the potatoes into the mixer. "Are you and Eve seeing each other now? You went to the holiday party together, and now this."
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep anything from her. "Something like that. The town council liked seeing us together at the party. It made them think I've moved on from Marla, and my grief won't be a liability to the fire department."
"Well, that's just ridiculous."
"You know how it is. Appointments to positions like this are political. I have to do what they want to get the promotion."
Mom lowered the mixer so that the wands were in the bowl. "I know this is important to you, and the schedule will be better for Sofia."
Mom didn't say that she'd be relieved that I wasn't running into burning buildings anymore. But I knew she would be. This was the best scenario for everyone in my life, and if I had to pretend to be with Eve for a few weeks, then it would be worth it.
I just hoped that Sofia didn't get too attached to her.
Mom turned on the mixer, occasionally pausing it to stir the contents. When it was done, she lifted the mixer top and pulled out the bowl. "So this thing with Eve isn't real? It's just to convince everyone that you'll be a good fire chief?"
"That's right." I sat on a stool at the island to watch her work.
"I'm not a fan of it, but if it gets you the job."
Tension crept into my neck. That kiss the other night felt very real. Not that I'd ever tell my mother that.
"It sounds like no one will be judging you if you date someone new."
I rolled my shoulders back. "It's just my boss and the town council, but yeah."
"That excuse shouldn't be holding you back anymore." She grabbed the cranberries and placed them on the stove.
"I haven't even thought about that. I'm busy with Sofia and work."
Mom gave me a look. "I have a feeling that's about to change."
Before I could ask what she meant about that, Tucker arrived, and we talked about other things while Mom prepped the rest of the meal.
We sat at the dining room table, going around at Sofia's insistence to say what we were thankful for. Health and family were always mine.
There was nothing more important. I was happy to be surrounded by people who loved me.
I was helping Mom cut the pie when Tucker came into the kitchen, slapping my back. "What's this I hear about a woman stopping by for dessert?"
In any other context, I would assume he was insinuating something dirty. But we were in my mother's kitchen. "Frank thinks the town council wants to see me with someone."
Tucker shook his head. "That's ridiculous."
"Right? But whatever it takes. You know how these things are."
He huffed out a breath. "Sure. But doesn't make it any less stupid."
Mom plated the pies. "We'll just wait for Eve."
"She's on her way," I said, checking my phone for messages from her.
Mom went into the living room, probably to tell Dad that dessert was almost ready.
Tucker stuck a finger in one of the slices, then licked the filling. "So you're not seeing Eve?"
My mind jumped to that kiss on my couch.
He smacked me. "Good for you."
"It's not like that—" But whatever I was going to say was drowned out by the doorbell and Sofia racing toward the door. Tucker probably thought I was just fucking Eve when I'd only kissed her. That made me wonder what it would be like if I invited her to my place tonight.
I didn't want her to be alone, but I also wanted to make her feel good. Forget about everything for a few minutes.
Sofia tugged Eve into the kitchen, and I couldn't help the smile that spread over my face. "You save room for dessert?"
Eve smiled, noticing my brother sitting on the stool next to me. "A little."
Mom bustled in, greeting Eve with a hug. "We're so glad you could join us, dear."
"Thank you for inviting me," Eve said, even though she was here by my invitation.
"We'll eat in the dining room." Mom picked up several plates, and we followed suit.
I hadn't felt this content in a long time. I was exactly where I needed to be and with the people I wanted to be with.