Alina stepped back into the house, shutting the door gently behind her. She inhaled, calming her nerves. Her eyes trailed toward the couch where Mandy sat, cheerfully eating the food she had brought.
The moment Mandy saw her, her face lit up. “You’re back! Come sit,” she said, patting the spot beside her.
Alina gave a small smile and walked over, sitting down next to her.
“This dish right here,” Mandy said with her mouth still half full, “might be my favorite yet. What do you say, want to be my cooking partner? That way I don’t accidentally poison someone one day.”
Alina laughed. “So you’re finally admitting you’re not as great in the kitchen as you act?”
“I never claimed to be a pro,” Mandy defended, pretending to be offended. “Cooking’s not my thing. But with your help, we coul
