His Pumpkin Pie

I can’t help but wonder if he might change his mind and have dinner with his family instead. I know I’m being stingy with wanting him to come be with me for Thanksgiving, but there’s no way I could skip out on mine.

In the back of my mind there’s a small voice that wonders why he didn't ask me to come along today. It’s silly because we’ve only known each other for a short time, but I invited him to spend the day with my family already. Our connection is so deep it feels like I’ve known him my whole life.

Mom told me I was being silly but quickly caved, saying if I wanted to get extra food then I should so I don’t worry over it. She knows me well because I would have stressed out over having enough. Plus it gives me something to do so I don’t obsess over when Miller might call or text.

I peek over my shoulder, seeing the same man that I saw earlier. I’m either paranoid or someone is following me. I’m going with paranoid because there is no reason for someone to be following me.

“I think you’re right about getting more food. Your man is big,” Cookie says while wiggling her eyebrows. “Is he big everywhere?” I hit her with the loaf of French bread I picked up. “That’s a yes.”

“You hush.” My face heats, and I get turned on thinking about the things Miller does to my body. He’s the only lover I’ve ever had, but in my heart I know sex couldn’t be better with anyone else. It’s the connection we feel, or at least the one I feel.

“From how red your face is turning, you don’t need to answer me.”

I roll my eyes. He is big everywhere, and I’m still surprised he fit inside me. It was like our bodies were made for each other. I know it’s crazy, but I’m starting to think he’s my soul mate. I didn't ever believe in the whole “love at first sight” thing, but my mind has quickly changed after meeting Miller.

“I think we got everything,” Cookie states. I scan the cart and nod in agreement. “Let’s get out of here. I want to make the cheesecake tonight.”

My mouth waters thinking about her cheesecake. It’s the one thing she can make, and I swear she puts magic into it. She never tells anyone the recipe, so my cheesecakes never turn out quite right.

We both head toward the checkout and I see the same man again. What the heck is going on? I openly stare back at him while we bag up the groceries. Maybe he’s waiting for the right moment to hit on Cookie. Men are always fawning over her, but she never gives anyone a chance.

“You know him?” Cookie asks, seeing me stare at the guy. I shake my head and watch him walk out of the store. “He’s creepy.”

“Yeah he is.”

I find myself checking behind me as we drive home to see if someone is following us. I don’t see anything, so maybe he was just a weirdo who liked to stare.

“Did you girls buy the whole store?” my mom laughs as we bring in all the bags.

“I actually looked up some popular foods from Russia and I was going to give them a go. Pelmeni is sort of like a pastry dumpling and I want to try making a sharlotka. It’s like an apple cake.”

“She’s in deep,” Cookie says to Mom.

“What? I want them to feel welcome, that’s all.” It’s the truth. Again, I know I’m being crazy, but if this is what I think it is, then Miller is going to be around forever. Not that I’m ready to say that to him, because he would probably run for the hills. Aren’t men scared of commitment?

Am I mixing up love with lust? It doesn't matter. For now I don’t think that Miller is going anywhere. We can take things nice and slow if he wishes, but I’m not sure how long we can go slow with him not using protection.

“I’ve decided I’m quitting my job,” I blurt out, and both Mom and Cookie stand there looking shocked for a minute before they practically burst with happiness. They both hug me so hard I almost can’t breathe. “You were so excited when I took the job,” I say, pretending to be pissed.

“I wanted you to follow your dreams,” my mom says and then hugs me again. Of course she did.

“Thank you.” I kiss her on the cheek.

“I’m really starting to like this Miller guy if he’s got Pumpkin coming home,” Cookie chimes in.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while,” I admit.

“He just gave you the final push?” Cookie asks, and I nod.

We get to work prepping the food for tomorrow, and a little while later my phone chimes. I grab it so fast Cookie bursts into laughter, but I ignore her as I swipe to see what he sent.