When the two of us realized we were the worst cooks of the group, we had decided to learn how to do the basics. If we’d had the time, we would have taken a class. But for now, the internet was teaching us, and we wouldn’t let Dillon or the others know that we had no idea what we were doing.
“How am I getting garlic everywhere? And I think I had a cut on my hand, and now the garlic juice is burning me. Why did we say we wanted to cook again?” Natalie asked, her voice slightly below panic level.
I winced before I took off my glasses and tried to rub my eyes with my forearm. “Why am I wearing my glasses when I know not to when cutting onions? The fumes are just getting trapped under there, and I’m dying.”
Natalie started to laugh, and I flipped her off.
“And they say you’re the nice one,” she teased.
“You’re supposed to be the nice one, too, yet still you mock my pain.” I went to the sink, took off my glasses, and tossed water on my face after washing my hands.
“We are the worst at this. We don’t even have the oven on yet.”
I froze. “Were we supposed to preheat it? I thought this was just a pan on the stove.”
“I don’t know. What do the instructions say?”
“I don’t know, either. You’re the one with the recipe,” I shot back.
She shook her head. “I thought you were the one who found this one.”
“No, that was you.” I paused. “Wait. What are we making?”
“A version of chicken cacciatore, but I don’t think we’re doing it right. I’m just glad we’re the only ones who’ll be eating it. Are you sure Dillon and Pacey said they were taking the girls out for a double date?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yes. And Nessa is at work, same with Tanner. So, it’s just us.” I paused. “Not that this is a date or anything.”
She gave me a look and shook her head. “Stop. We’re just friends, and I’m fine with that.”
“Oh, thank God,” I said. “We already know I’m awkward as hell. I’d probably be worse if I thought the two of us were dating.”
“I’m not sure exactly how to take that,” she said with a laugh.
I cringed. “Not that you aren’t wonderful...” I began, and she shook her head.
“You should stop while you’re ahead.”
“I can’t stop in the middle of a thought like that. I like you as a friend.”
“Same. Not that you aren’t adorable.” She winked.
“Great. Adorable. That’s exactly what I want to hear.” I smiled as I said it, and she laughed.
We went back to cooking, and soon, I cleared my throat. “So, I was right in remembering Nessa is working today?” I asked, trying to act happy.
Natalie gave me a bland stare. “Yes, Nessa is working. However, I don’t know when she’s off. She could be here at any moment. Do you need to go freshen up before she shows up?”
I blushed as I put my glasses back on. “No. It’s not like that between us.”
“And are you sad about that?” she asked.
“No, Nessa isn’t for me. I know that. She had a crush on Pacey.”
Natalie studied my face. “And that is completely over. I don’t think it’s going to work out with that Xander guy, either.”
I perked up, meeting her gaze. “Really?” I asked, annoyed that I sounded so eager.
She gave me a knowing smile. “She told me that it wasn’t, so I’m going with that.”
I set that aside since I didn’t want to focus too hard on what it could mean. And the best defense is the best offense. Or something sports-related. “Since you and I will never work out…” I teased. “Do you have your eye on anyone else?” I asked, trying not to think about Nessa since I was already acting weird enough.
Natalie shrugged. “Not really. I’m not so good at the whole dating thing. Or the talking to guys thing.”
I blinked at her, then looked down at myself. “Um, is there something you need to know about me?” I asked, only half teasing.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to say you’re not a guy, but you’re nice.”
“And guys aren’t nice...”
“That’s not what I mean. I don’t know. The guys at the house treat me like I’m human, don’t ignore me, but also don’t make me feel weird.” She fluttered her hands. “I’m not saying this right.”
“The guys are nice.” I paused and smiled. “Well, perhaps not Tanner.”
“Tanner’s nice sometimes.” She shrugged before sticking out her tongue, her focus on the garlic she was now carefully trying to mince. “He annoys me, yet I feel like I can talk to him. Just like I can talk to you. You treat me like I’m normal and human, not like this weird little virgin girl who’s never actually talked to a guy.” She closed her eyes. “I can’t believe I just said that out loud.”
I winced. “You being a virgin isn’t exactly a secret to the eight of us. I mean, Corinne used to mention it offhandedly, and we all heard it.”
“Ugh. Just bury me in the backyard right now,” she said dryly. “Maybe that’s why you guys act like it’s not a big deal. Because it’s not a big deal. However, I don’t know how to say that I’m friends with you all because there’s no romantic interest there. Sanders was always an asshole, so I never felt comfortable around him. Tanner annoys the hell out of me, so I’m not usually comfortable when it comes to him, either—except the times when he’s kind. The rest of you, however? You are all nice. I like being your friend.”
“I like being your friend, too.”
She smiled at me just as Nessa walked into the kitchen, her gaze darting between us. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you guys were in here. I’m sorry for interrupting.” She turned on her heel, and Natalie just laughed.
“You caught us. So much for trying to keep it a secret, Miles. But I can’t.”
My eyes widened. “Natalie,” I muttered.
“Caught you at what?” Nessa asked cautiously.
Natalie smiled, and it lit up her entire face. “Trying to cook. And not well. We don’t even have the stove on, nor do we know where the olive oil is. We’re trying to learn.”
Nessa turned and smiled at us. “That’s so sweet. You two are the worst cooks out of all of us. And that’s saying something since I’m not that great.”
I scowled. “I’m not that bad.”
“You are,” Nessa said as she came to stand between us. “Are you trying to mince garlic? It’s easier when you flatten it with the side of a knife first.”
“That’s a big knife. What if I cut myself?” Natalie asked.
I nodded. “Dillon showed me that once. I was pretty sure he was about to cut off his whole hand. He’s just so quick at it.”
“A chef from a Michelin-starred kitchen taught him. He’s quick and efficient.” Nessa shook her head. “Do you want me to help you guys?”
Natalie sighed. “I would say yes, but I know you have work to do. And this is what Miles and I are trying to learn. We need to be able to contribute to our community.”