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“Oh, but won’t it be alone all day? You couldn’t take it to work, could you?” Jane’s mother’s superpower was the ability to problematize everything.

“I could figure it out.”

“Try to get one that doesn’t shed.” Her mother sighed. “Your father claims he wants one, but we have too much going on, and they make so much mess.”

“Yeah.”

“But if he really wanted one, he would get one. You know your father.”

“Ha! Yes I do. Alright, well—let’s talk soon....” Jane steeled herself. Why was this so hard?

“I love you, Mom.”

Even if she wasn’t sure she meant it, she had said it.

There was a long pause.

“Oh. Thank you... I, uh, sorry, your brother’s hollering, I have to go.”

Jane shook her head. Her mother was stunted in so many ways. Maybe, Jane thought, this was why the concept of unconditional love felt so foreign to her. She was only familiar with the conditional kind. This could explain why she wanted a dog; they were fonts of unconditional love.

The traffic light had turned green and the driver behind Janelaid on the horn. Startled out of her reverie, she looked up and hit the gas. The only way to go was forward.

The doorbell rang. Jane took a quick glance in the mirror before opening the door.

“You didn’t have to ring, Teddy, you still technically live here.”

“Well, yeah, but... I figured I should.” Teddy shrugged. “I mean, it’s been a minute.”

He handed her the bottle of wine he was holding. As she took it, Jane wondered if the sommelier he was dating had chosen it for him.

“Thanks. Come on in!”

They hugged, a little awkwardly.

“You look really good, Jane.”

“Thanks, but—eh, not really.”

“You’re never one to just accept a compliment, huh?” Teddy chuckled.

“I know, I’m sorry.”

“Well, I meant it.”

“Thanks, Teddy.” She took him in, willing herself not to be annoyed by the stupid beanie on his head. He had such nice hair; it was one of his best features—why did he hide it under a beanie? “You look good, too. I’m glad we’re finally getting together. It’s been... weird.”

“Yeah, it has.”

When Jane cooked, she was fastidious about her mise en place. Once all the necessary ingredients were set out on the counter, measured and prepped, she could enjoy the process of cooking. This dish was rather simple—rib eye steaks, shallots, parsley,red wine, a lot of butter, potatoes and watercress on the side. She could make it quickly and by rote.

Teddy studied her as she plated the food. “So efficient.”

“Well, after all, it’sme,Teddy.”

He laughed. “Smells so good. I’m really glad you asked me over, Jay.”

Jane smiled and set the plates down on the table. “I’m glad you’re here. I miss having someone to eat with, I have to say...”