Chapter 11: Lillian at the Door

Buddy really was traumatized by me. Such a young dog, lying on the balcony, looking like he’d aged overnight.

“Buddy? Buddy, I was wrong. I really was wrong. I brought you luxury dog food—please, have a bite…”

I knelt on one knee, holding a bowl of dog food, sincerely repenting to Buddy.

Natalie just sat on the couch, quietly watching. I felt like she was laughing at me, but every time I looked, she kept a straight face.

By the time Buddy finally let me pet him, it was already dark.

“I’m hungry. Can you cook?” Natalie suddenly asked.

I was stunned, then nodded. “Yeah.”

Lillian was picky—lots of things she wouldn’t eat. After we got together, I always cooked for her. Four years of practice, my skills are pretty solid.

“Make me a meal.” Natalie walked over, knelt on the carpet, and started playing with Buddy. She didn’t give me a chance to refuse.

Since she didn’t mind, as a man, why should I?

I rolled up my sleeves and went to the kitchen, cooking two dishes. I whipped up pulled pork sliders and skillet mac and cheese—comfort food for a night that was anything but comfortable.

Just as I was setting the table, my phone rang loudly, nearly making me drop the plate.

I set the food down, didn’t check the caller ID, and answered directly. “Hello?”

“Your luggage is still at my place. Come get it now.”

I froze, even checking the screen to be sure.

Lillian?

She wants me to pick up my luggage at night?

“It’s too late. I’ll have someone get it tomorrow.”

The other end of the line went silent. I could hear a few suppressed breaths, then Lillian’s cold voice:

“It has to be now.”