Kitchen Boss

“Did you now?” I try to catch her gaze. “I wish I had seen it. I’m sure it was enchanting.”

“What’s enchanting?”

“Magical.”

“Hmm. It was okay.”

I grin.

“Will you read me a story again later?” Maisie asks.

“Sure, sweetheart.”

Her face lights up with an even wider smile. “Thank you.”

Then she turns her attention out the window. I grip the wheel and focus my eyes on the road.

Maisie really is such a sweet little girl. It’s a pity she never knew her mother.

Ever since I heard about Evelyn a few days ago, I’ve been seeing Maisie in a different light. I hug her a little tighter before tucking her into bed at night, knowing that she could easily have not been born. I’m even more determined to take care of her, even more watchful of her when we play in the garden, even more careful when feeding her grapes, because I’m aware of the sacrifice that was made for her to exist. One day, Maisie will find out about it, and I hope that when that day comes, she won’t feel a shred of guilt but instead feel more special. Until then, as long as she’s under my care, I’ll treat her like a precious gem and give her all the love a mother could give. I owe it to Evelyn.

And it’s not just Maisie. It’s Jackson, too. I know now why he dotes on his daughter. I’m grateful for it. I’m glad he didn’t choose to be cold towards her because she reminds him of what he’s lost but instead embraced her because she’s a living reminder of what’s left behind. It has made me think I shouldn’t blame Jackson for reminding me of Trisha.

I know now why he insisted on this false engagement, why he didn’t want to send me away. He wants to protect me like he was unable to protect Evelyn. He doesn’t want to lose me to have his daughter by his side. He already lost his wife to have Maisie. He wants to keep us both by his side.

He’s usually smiling, but now I know the pain he’s endured through the years, ever since I last saw him. I feel like I know him better now. And having suffered myself, I have even more respect for how he’s managed to move on. Admiration, even. Maybe a bit of envy. And a heightened concern. I don’t want him to suffer anymore, especially not alone.

I want to stay by his side.

That last thought takes me by surprise. I shake my head. What am I thinking? I’m his fake fiancee, nothing more.

Do I want more?

My thoughts come to an end as I reach the house. As I pull into the driveway, I notice a silver Subaru sedan parked near some bushes. I recognize the make and the license plate and my eyes grow wide.

No way.

As soon as I park the car, I hear a familiar voice calling my name.

“Cathy!”

“Mom?” I throw her a puzzled look.

What is she doing here?

I wait until she’s given me a hug to ask her questions.

“What’s with the surprise visit?” I hide my left hand behind my back so she won’t see the diamond ring. I try to take it off but it won’t budge. “Shouldn’t you be with the other kids?”

“You’ll always be my kid.” She tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I wanted to see you. I’ve been missing those nighttime conversations we used to have.”

“I’m not avoiding you on purpose, Mom,” I tell her as I slip my hand into my pocket.

I make a mental note to go to the bathroom in a bit so I can use some soap to take the ring off and hide it somewhere.

“I’ve just been busy with work.”

“I know.” She touches my cheek. “You’ve finally grown up, and I always thought you would, but now I can’t help but wish you were a child again.”

“Mom…”

“And of course I wanted to personally congratulate you on getting a job. Tell me all about it. You said it’s a management internship?”

“Actually, I’m a management trainee now,” I update her. “That means I’m hired for the job as a manager but still in training. When I’m done with training, I’ll manage the restaurant.”

“That’s wonderful.”

I glance at her car. “Um, how did you know where I live now?”

“I went to your old apartment and Mrs. Garland gave me your new address.” She puts a hand on her hip. “Frankly, I’m disappointed that you didn’t tell me you moved out.”

Right. I didn’t tell her about that. I was going to, but I was afraid she’d come over if she knew. Well, she came over anyway.

“At least, I was,” she says as she glances at the house. “Now that I see what an amazing place you moved into, I feel better. How much are you paying to stay here, though? Are you staying with someone?”