Page 13 of Recipe for a Curse

I loved soups and stews and the freshly baked breads that went with them. “Bread is already made. I could do a pumpkin squash soup, or the bacon cheeseburger one you love.”

“Hmm, cheeseburger. Sean likes the pumpkin better.”

“I can make small batches of both.”

Zach nodded and steered the truck back toward the manor. “Let’s plan on that, with some of that sourdough Sean likes.”

“And pickles for you,” I added. Zach loved pickles in his hamburger soup. It was odd, but when I’d tried it, the vinegar touch had been excellent, though not everyone liked it. Zach didn’t eat a lot of carbs, part of him being a big guy I think, though he didn’t seem to have a weight problem. He was just naturally a bit rounder in the middle.

“I love pickles,” Zach said with a straight face. “Of all kinds.”

He was teasing now. “Sean’s, too?”

“Sean’s the best,” Zach agreed and winked at me. “And everything attached to him.”

I sighed, wanting that for myself. The joy in Zach’s expression, his peace when his guy was around, and the confidence that they were it for each other. Zach was right, I was lonely. Sure I hoped Rio might be something, but it wasn’t a requirement of me helping him. I tried to think back to my note and hoped I made it clear that we were offering him help simply because he needed it and we were in the position to help. Not because I expected anything from him. But it wasn’t like I could change it now. So instead, I pulled out my phone and began planning meals for the upcoming week. It was one of the few things that could relax my anxiety and let me escape from the stress of the world for a while.