Chapter 27: Love Served Warm
When Thea stood to prepare dinner, Grandma Grace asked, "Where are you headed?"
"To make dinner."
"Not tonight, dear. I’ll cook for you all." Grandma Grace said.
Thea was about to protest, but Grandma Grace gently interrupted, "No arguments tonight. I want to treat you two..."
"Okay, but I’ll help."
Charlotte, mid-cookie, chimed in, "Count me in! I want to help too!"
"Alright, but Charlotte, why not take a little rest in the bedroom? Thea and I will tackle dinner preparations."
Charlotte started to protest, "But...I want to help!" Grandma Grace held up her hand, "No arguments, dear. You’ve had a long day. Go and rest. Thea and I will handle dinner." Charlotte pouted playfully.
Charlotte reluctantly got up from the couch, her eyes fixed on the cookies she was enjoying. "Okay, fine. But I’m only going to rest for a bit."
"I know you will, Charlotte ..Now off you go!"
With a sigh, Charlotte headed upstairs to her bestfriend’s room.
Grandma Grace turned to her. "Now, let’s get started on dinner. What do you think we should make?"
Thea’s face lit up with an idea. "Grandma, would you make your legendary chicken parmesan? Charlotte is a huge Italian food fan."
Thea knew cooking with her Grandma was special. It was about love, memories, and time together.
"Okay..." Thea smiled, her heart full. "Yes, Grandma, let’s do it!"
"Thea..please pass the tomato sauce.." her grandma said, her hands moving with precision as she prepared the chicken. Thea handed it over, watching with keen interest.
"Grandma, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, dear. What’s on your mind?" her grandma replied, her eyes fixed on the sizzling chicken.
"Grandma, your recipes are always perfection.How did you learn to cook such mouthwatering dishes?"
A warm glow spread across Grandma Grace’s face. "Perfection isn’t the key, sweetie. It’s the love and care you put into every dish that makes it truly special..You see, dear one, it’s all about devotion and technique.."
Both of them finished preparing the dishes. "Thea .. go and call her." her grandma instructed. She went to her room, and as she opened the door, she saw Charlotte sitting on the bed, holding something in her hand.
"What is she reading?" she wondered. As she approached her, she noticed the diary where she would write her feelings and memories. Charlotte sensed someone behind her. "Thea, I was reading your diary."
Thea’s heart fluttered as a pang of apprehension struck her. She had penned private thoughts in that diary, secrets she had confided to no one. Her thoughts whirled as she wondered what Charlotte might have discovered.
"Your writing is truly captivating.I read the parts where you reimagined moments with your parents and grandmother." Thea felt relief.She hadn’t uncovered her feelings about Ryder. That remained her hidden truth.
Charlotte closed the diary and looked up at Thea "I’m sorry if I overstepped any boundaries. I just couldn’t help myself. Your writing is so captivating."
Thea shook her head, feeling thankful. "No lines were crossed, Charlotte. I’m just happy you liked it."
"Dinner’s ready! Come eat!" Charlotte smiled, and they went downstairs together.
"Grandma, this chicken is fantastic!" Charlotte exclaimed. "Your granddaughter is so lucky to have your amazing cooking all the time!" Thea and Grandma Grace chuckled. "You’re making me blush, Charlotte." Grandma Grace said with a smile. "But I’m happy you’re enjoying it."
"Grandma’s the best cook ever!" Thea agreed. Grandma Grace squeezed her granddaughter’s hand. "You’re loved, Thea .. And Charlotte, you’re also part of our family too."
The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories, while they ate.
After dinner, Charlotte left for home in her car. "I’ll visit soon, Grandma." she said, hugging Grandma Grace tightly.
After saying goodbye, Thea and her grandma went inside, the evening’s warmth still in their hearts."Charlotte is so sweet.I’m happy that you have such a great friend in the university."
"Yeah, Grandma, she is indeed cute and mischievous sometimes.."
"I can see that. You two have a special connection. I’m glad you two are friends.."
"I was wondering, how is Ryder?" her grandma inquired, making Thea’s heart race.
"Ryder’s back from Sweden and doing great, Grandma." Thea replied, trying to sound calm.
But inside, Thea was bursting with emotions. She had been waiting for his message, eager to know if he had eaten the cookies she made for him and if he liked them. But there was silence from his end. She had worked so hard to make those cookies just for him.
"Grandma, can I ask you something?"
Grandma Grace looked at her with love and encouragement. "Of course, dear. What is it?"
"Why hasn’t Ryder texted me? I sent him those cookies, and I thought he’d at least say thanks."
Grandma Grace’s face gentled, and she wrapped Thea in a comforting embrace. "Sweetie, guys can be clueless. Just because he hasn’t messaged doesn’t mean he didn’t love your gift. Maybe he is preoccupied."
But inwardly, Thea couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that Ryder simply wasn’t interested.
Thea trudged to her room, her feet heavy with exhaustion, after ensuring her grandma had taken her medicine. She had been eagerly waiting for Ryder’s call all day. As she entered her room, the phone rang, and her heart leapt with hope. She quickly grabbed the phone, hoping it was him.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Miss ..this is Tina from Bank Corp. We’ve detected some suspicious transactions on your account..." Thea’s face dropped, dismay flooding her like a chilly surge. "Not again!" she exclaimed, her tone dripping with exasperation. "I’m not buying it!" She slammed down the phone, irritation and vexation brewing within her.
"Why do these spammers always call at the worst times?" she muttered to herself, flopping onto her bed.
She stared at her phone, willing Ryder’s name to flash on the screen. But it remained stubbornly silent.
"Ryder, please call me. I need to hear from you.." she whispered, her words lost in the silence.
