The Best of Us (Love in Isolation 2)

"You cold?" he asks.

I shake my head and smile. "Warmer than you know."

The giant balloon of Charlie Brown and Snoopy passes by, then SpongeBob SquarePants.

"Did you know this has been going on since 1929?" Ryan asks.

"Really? I had no idea." The floats, cheerleaders, and marching bands walk past the screen. Then last, but not least, Santa and his reindeer. I can't stop smiling and feel like a kid again. After it's over, the Disney parade begins.

Ryan checks the time, then stands. "I think the beans might be ready. Well, based on the recipe I found online."

I look up at him and grin. "You're gonna be a professional cook by the time you get home."

"Pfft, we’ll see. I think I've expanded my menu from sandwiches to canned foods," he says with a chuckle, then walks to the kitchen.

I lay back on the couch and let out a happy sigh just as Piper texts me.

Piper: HAPPY THANKSGIVING, SIS! Wish you were here, but I know you wouldn't be here anyway.Kendall: Thanks, you too! How are things at Mom and Dad’s?Piper: Annoying AF. I need a drink, but the chef just brought out the food. I'm going to start volunteering with you to escape them every year too. They won’t accept any other excuse.Kendall: You should do it because you want to! We could use your help, anyway. Plus, having a YouTube star there might bring awareness to the cause.I laugh because I already know what her response is going to be.

Piper: Yeah. I wouldn't record it. People have been canceled for doing shit like that for notoriety and attention.She's filled me on all the drama with content creators. It's man eat man, worse than the fashion industry, and many collaborate just to build their own brand. I thought private school was bad, but this is nothing compared to that, which is another reason I stay out of the limelight. I wouldn't be able to handle the criticism like Piper does. She has thick skin, that’s for sure. However, I’d take it too personally.

Kendall: I know. Plus, I know how you are when you donate. All anon.Piper: That's right. Not trying to impress my fans like that. When can you come home? I miss you!I explain what Cami told me this morning, then I realize Ryan hasn’t mentioned anything about it.

"Ready?" Ryan asks from the doorway.

I stand, then send Piper a final text that I have to go.

The table is set with candles and a holiday-themed cloth with cornucopias on it. Not sure where he found this old thing, but I love it. He pulls out a chair for me, and I take a seat.

Moments later, he's returning with cornbread muffins and giant bowls of beans.

I look down at it. "What are these?"

"Lima beans," he says. "Ever had them before?"

"I don't recall," I tell him honestly, picking up my spoon and dipping it in. I blow on the white beans, then take a bite. "Wow."

"I know, right? They don't taste like beans, do they?"

"No, they’re nutty but sweet. I can't describe it." I take another bite, then eat my cornbread. I feel so much joy, knowing Ryan worked to make today special for me, and I plan to show him just how much later.

"I added garlic and onion powder. Some red pepper flakes and used the chicken stock from the pantry. This recipe online was easier than I thought," he says proudly.

I smile and abruptly change the subject. "You know your parents have scheduled the driveway to be plowed tomorrow, right?" I ask.

He lowers eyes. "Yes, my mother called and informed me this morning." His tone is formal, but there's a hint of something behind it. Sadness, maybe?

There's awkwardness in the air, but neither of us mentions the real question at hand.

"That’s good news!” I add, trying to lighten the mood. “I can't believe we've been here for twelve days," I say, taking a sip of water.

He gives me a grin. "I know. I was thinking we could go to town and restock the fridge and pantry for the honeymooners tomorrow. Then maybe make a nice dinner for us since we’ve been roughing it."

"Yeah, I love that idea. Plus, Cami needs her Pop-Tarts and candy or she might not survive for two weeks."

A hearty laugh releases from him. "Yeah, well if we can live off random food for days, she'll be just fine."

"Very true." I chuckle, meeting his eyes. We eat in silence until we're both done. The awkward tension streams between us, and I wish it would go away.

"Did you tell your boss the good news?"

Ryan stands and picks up our dishes. "No, I was going to text him tomorrow morning and let him know," he says as walks to the sink. I make myself useful and pour the rest of the beans in a plastic container, then put it in the fridge.