Chapter 6: When You Loved Me, I Was Loving You Too

I quickly took out my phone, opened Ethan’s chat, hesitated over what to type, and finally just replied, "Okay, got it."

So much for playing it cool. I cringed at my own awkwardness, wishing I could unsend.

Ugh!

Frustrated, I tossed my phone on the counter, silently cursing my own uselessness, then covered my face and started making cat food for Daisy.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus. This was my chance to impress Ethan—no more self-sabotage.

But then I ran into a problem: opening the fridge and seeing all the ingredients, I realized—I didn’t know how to cook.

I stood there, frozen, staring at a fridge full of possibilities—and not a clue what to do with any of it.

Usually, I just gave Biscuit cat food and canned food.

He’d never complained. But Daisy was a Park, and Parks had standards.

No choice, I’d never learned anything about kitchens.

Cooking had always been someone else’s job. I was a master at takeout and microwave meals, but this was a whole new ballgame.

At home, my parents cooked. After moving out, I relied on takeout.

I’d never felt so exposed. Maybe it was time to grow up—just a little.

It’s fine if I can’t cook—I can learn. I’m a quick study.

I gave myself a pep talk. If TikTok could teach me how to contour my nose, it could teach me to cook for a cat.

Plus, I’ve watched so many cooking bloggers’ videos. My brain tells me I can do it.

I channeled every Food Network marathon I’d ever watched, rolling up my sleeves with determination.

I immediately opened TikTok, typed in "cat food," and a bunch of recipes popped up.

I scrolled through, looking for something that didn’t require a culinary degree or a trip to Whole Foods.

I picked the one with the most likes. Trust the masses.

If a million people liked it, how hard could it be?

Whoa.

This is easy.

Famous last words, but I was feeling optimistic.

Hehe, I can do this.

Ethan will definitely be impressed!

I pictured his face lighting up with surprise. Maybe he’d even call me “amazing.”

Rolling up my sleeves, I got started right away.

I tied my hair back, washed my hands, and got to work—just like the pros.

I have to say, Ethan’s fridge is packed with ingredients, all neatly organized in containers.

Everything was labeled, color-coded, and stacked just so. I made a mental note to ask him for organizational tips later.

See?

The man I like is just that capable.

It was a little intimidating, but also kind of endearing.

Oh, there’s fish!

Fresh salmon, no less. Daisy was about to eat better than I ever had.

Hehe, let’s try something ambitious!

Go big or go home, right?

So, I went for it!

I channeled my inner Gordon Ramsay, determined to nail this recipe.