It was still summer, and Teri
was experimenting with soup.
“What is up with that?” Grace asked, pointing at the large pot.
“Fall will be here before you know it, and I like to get ahead. I’m simmering some chicken carcasses to make my own stock. Once that is done, I can use the stock to experiment on other soups, and it would be an awesome base. Chicken, vegetable, even Chinese soups.”
Grace loved Teri’s enthusiasm.
“Also, there’s no point throwing out the chicken when it’s perfectly good, and it tastes amazing.” Teri popped some gum. “While you wait for Drake, you could chop me up these vegetables.”
Grabbing a knife, Grace got to work prepping the vegetables, and watching as Teri pulled out fresh herbs and then a variety of spices. The woman knew how to work wonders in the kitchen, and Grace loved watching.
“So, you and Drake, he’s told me that you’ve accepted being his old lady.”
“He wanted to go to the party tonight, and make sure that I was ready to be his old lady.” Grace shrugged. “I love being with him.”
“I see that smile on your face, babe. You’re in love.”
Grace paused. “Love?”
“Yes. You’re in love with Drake.”
“I think that’s a little too soon, don’t you?”
“Not really. It’s just the right time.”
“Dwayne?”
“Is your ex, and he’s completely out of the picture.”
He was totally out of the picture. She’d not even given him a thought until that moment. Drake made her forget about the past, and look forward to the now, and the future.
“Wow, love, that’s a pretty big deal.”
“And if I’m not wrong, Drake’s also mega in love with you, like totally, mega in love. I’ve never seen him look so damn happy.” Teri kept on talking while Grace was having a semi-nervous breakdown.
It was possible to fall in love in such a short period of time? Most loves were the kind that people spent years building.
“Hey, baby, are you ready?” Drake asked. He held up a paper bag that had the label of Suzy’s work place.
“Go on, honey. You can use my office to get changed.”
Grace really wished that Teri hadn’t dropped that bombshell, as otherwise she’d be able to focus a hell of a lot more right now. She felt out of sorts, and not ready to spend the evening with Drake.
“Is everything okay?” Drake asked when she was close to him.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”
He reached out, stroking her cheek. “No reason, you just look a little put out. Has someone said anything?”
“No. I’m happy. I’m nervous. I’ve never been to a real party before, not even when I was at college.”
She smiled at him, hoping to hide the turmoil going through her mind.
Love?
“I’ll be there with you. You’ve got nothing to be afraid of.”