"Well, tonight, we're going to show him how to make something different."
Alice confirmed Emmie's confession about Cole's eating habits.
"I don't know where your dad gets his habits from because it's certainly not from me."
Cole walked into the kitchen just in time to join the conversation.
"What's this I hear about my eating habits?"
Emmie thought his timing was hysterical.
"Don't stop now, everybody. Carry on. You were saying something about me eating way too many burgers." He teased.
"You know it's true, Dad."
"I see how it is. I guess next time I'll just have to go to Neil's Famous Burgers all by myself."
"All by yourself? You can't do that.."
"Emmie, don't fall for it. You know your dad is just teasing you,” Alice said.
Alice was so cute. She had beautiful white hair, styled in a bob, and always smelled like something sweet. She was a natural when it came to cooking and baking.
"I'm going to let you guys get settled in the kitchen while I get ready to head back to the house," Alice said.
"Aww, Grandma, I thought you were going to sleep over?"
"Emmie, Grandma just spent the last two nights here. I have to get back and check on the house."
"Mom, you could at least stay for dinner."
"Thank you, sweetheart, but I actually have plans. A friend of mind is stopping by the house this evening."
Cole had a curious look on his face.
"Grandma is allowed to have a life too, you know," she said.
Cole didn't look happy.
"Where did you meet your friend, Alice?" I asked
"We met at our last HOA meeting. Turns out, he moved into my subdivision last year, and I had no idea. He's a nice gentleman."
"Does this nice gentleman have a name?" Cole said.
"Yes, his name is Stanley. I'll have to share more with you later, son. I don't want to be late."
The doorbell rang as she was speaking. Emmie and I had already started cleaning the asparagus and preparing the seasoning for the fish.
"You stay here. I'll get the door,” Alice said.
When she left the kitchen, I teased Cole about his reaction.
"Aren't you rather protective?"
"Hey, I only have one mother. I'm just doing my job and looking out for her, that's all."
Emmie leaned over and whispered in my ear.
"Dad doesn't like it when Grandma meets new friends."
"Is that so?"
It was all in good fun. I don't think Cole really had an issue with Alice meeting new friends. He just liked to make everyone else think he did.
"Okay, Emmie, where's your Old Bay seasoning?"
"Right here."
I looked up and saw Alice walking into the kitchen with Lexi Donovan. Cole accidentally knocked a bottle of water onto the floor.
"Cole, you have a visitor. Apparently, you left your cell phone at the Donovans’ house."
Emmie ran over to hug Lexi and say hello.
"Lexi, you're just in time for dinner," Emmie said.
I could feel my whole demeanor start to shift. Cole glanced at me before responding to Emmie.
"Emmie, honey, that's sweet, but I'm sure Lexi has to head back."
He turned to Lexi. "Thank you for bringing my phone. I must've left it on the counter."
"It's no problem at all. The last time I lost my phone, I completely panicked. I figured you would want yours right away."
"You should've called the house number. I could've easily turned around and driven back."
"Oh, nonsense. As much as you've done for us, it was the least I could do."
Was it unreasonable for me to envision myself dragging her out of the house by the ponytail? Of course, my mother raised me better than that, but a girl could dream, couldn't she?
Everyone in the kitchen fell to an awkward silence before Lexi turned to acknowledge my presence.
"Hi, Payton. I didn't realize you would be here."
"Hi, Lexi."
Emmie continued to try and convince Lexi to stay.
"Please stay for dinner, Lexi?"
"Sure, why not?"
Alice looked confused. If this wasn't a bold move on Lexi's part, I don't know what was. Clearly, she was ignoring the social cues coming from the adults.
Cole spoke up. "Uhh, Lexi, I'm sorry. I know Emmie is excited."
He glanced at Emmie while he continued to speak.
"But, tonight was a special evening planned to spend time with Payton. We're all going to cook together, right, Emmie?"
He gave her a look.
"Right," Emmie said.
"And, since Payton went out of her way to make sure we have just enough groceries and all…"
"I get it. No worries,” Lexi said.
She walked over and bent down in front of Emmie to speak to her.
"Emmie, I'll tell you what. How about we plan a special evening soon?"
"Okay!"
"It can be you and me and even your dad if he wants to join us."
I continued shaking the seasoning on the fish. It was probably going to be the saltiest fish I've ever made, but I had to do something to keep from giving this woman a piece of my mind.
"I guess I should be on my way," Lexi said.
"I'll walk you to the door." Cole left with Lexi while Alice stayed back.
"Sweet Emmie, I forgot my purse in the guest room. Would you run and grab it for grandma?"
"Sure, I'll be right back."
Alice stepped closer so that only I could hear her.
"What in the world was that about?" she said.
"Oh, this is normal for Lexi. She's been on a mission lately."
"So, this is not the first time something like this has happened?"
"Nope. Her mother made it very clear to me last year that Lexi is a better fit for Cole. Ever since then, it's been one subtle charade after the other. Except now, it's worse since he's working on their kitchen renovation."
"Well, why don't you say something to Cole?"
Alice's voice died down as he entered the kitchen with Emmie trailing behind.
"Thank you, Emmie," Alice said.
"Give grandma a hug and a kiss. I have to get going before I'm late."
"Love you, Grandma."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
She walked over to Cole afterward.
"Cole, I won't say a word, but I'm sure you already know what I'm thinking."
"I know, Mom. I'm on
