Lane licks a batter-caked spoon clean and starts putting the dishes in the sink. I bring the food to the table and set two places for us. We settle down to eat.
“This is way too much food,” she says.
“Challenge accepted,” I giggle.
We eat. Like men—sloppy, fast.
“Oh, man, these are amazing,” she drawls in between bites.
“They’re to die for,” I agree.
* * * *
We finish eating and do the dishes. Then—
“I guess I should get going.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I’ve been here for way too long and you’re going to get sick of me.”
“Never!”
“You say that now! And besides, I have things to do.”
“Okay, okay. Thanks for staying.”
“Thanks for letting me stay,” she says. “I had a really nice time with you.”
She puts her arms around me, pulling me into a full-bodied hug, her hands rubbing gently up
