Eight dishes. Three hours.
The last one was the plum-glazed ribs.
"All those years abroad, your cooking is what I missed the most."
"Leo, you haven't forgotten your promise to me, have you?"
Leonard took off his apron and wiped his hands. "How could I forget the princess's wishes?"
"I've never cooked for anyone else. Ask Constance if you don't believe me. She didn't even know I could cook!"
They both laughed, and Leonard reached over to ruffle Naomi's hair.
At the table, I sat across from Naomi, wishing I could crawl into a hole and never come out.
They talked and laughed the whole evening. I couldn't have gotten a word in if I'd tried.
After my shower, the cloying sweetness of plum and braised pork hit me the moment I stepped out.
"Connie, come eat!"
Naomi was sitting next to Leonard, waving me over.
I glanced at their shoulders pressed together and managed a thin smile.
There was no place for me at that table.
"No, thanks."
"I'm not hungry."
I turned back toward the bedroom, only to find it filled with someone else's things.
"What is this?"
Leonard didn't even look up. "Oh, Naomi's place has a leak."
"She's staying here for a while."
"Once you've had your surgery and recovered, she'll move out."