I can’t believe it. The dress, the offer, it’s all so much to take in. I’ve never seen a dress so pretty, and the necklace…

Before I’m all ready to go, I slip into the room with the dress again and touch the necklace. It’s large, sure, something I’d expect to see on a movie star or a real life princess. I touch the large, cool stones, thinking about how pretty the blue ones are. The diamonds sparkle even in the low light of the room and I imagine when the light hits it it will become blinding.

I’ve never worn anything even close to this. I’d never dreamed of it.

With a sigh of excitement, I slip out of the room and meet up with Gavin as he hands me a sealed plastic container. Curious, I peel back the corner. The scent of food hits me and my mouth waters. One thing I can say about Gavin; he’s sure all about food. I’ve never eaten as well as I have the last few times I’ve come over to his place.

“What’s this?” I ask, knowing full well it’s a fat salmon steak, a side of shrimp pasta salad and grilled asparagus. He stacks another container on the top, this one has a huge brownie he’d made for us.

“For your father,” he says and my heart melts in my chest. It’s one thing for him to feed me while I’m here, but to send something home for dad? That’s the real way to my heart. He winks at me as if he knows. “We’ll drop it off before I get you to the kitchen.”

“Thank you.” It’s all I can say. And I only barely get it out.

He merely nods. Together, we head toward the front door and I feel a flash of sadness that I’m leaving. This place is really starting to feel like home.

In the car, I hold the food for dad and stare out of the window at the world going by. The snow finally eased up. Christmas is only a couple days away and I’m excited. I think I made something for Gavin he’ll like. It’s nothing spectacular; it’s a memento, a keepsake so he can remember me even after we part ways.

I’m not going to kid myself and pretend this thing between us will ever become something serious and lasting. I’ve heard the rumors about Gavin, hell, I’ve even gone so far as to seek them out. For him to even be with me as long—and as many times—as he has is out of character for him.

He’s totally a—for lack of a better phrase—is a hit it and quit it player. He takes them to bed once, then he moves on. He’s not one to put down roots, and I don’t blame him. The precious little I know about him and the things he’s revealed mostly by accident tell me the people in his life don’t care for him as much as they should. They care about what he can do for them. What he can buy them.

I can’t blame him for being a product of the world. The monster people see was created.

“You’re being awfully quiet,” he says softly, his hand coming to rest above my knee. I place my hand on his and lace our fingers.

“Just thinking,” I say, smiling over at him.

“That sounds ominous,” he teases and I shake my head.

“It’s not like that,” I say as we pull up in front of my house. I take the food and get out. With light feet and careful steps, I hurry up to the door and push it open. Dad’s in his chair, but he looks up when I walk in.

“Brought you something,” I say, pushing the food into his hands. I hurry into the kitchen to grab him a fork. “Eat, okay?” I say, dropping a kiss on top of his head. “I’m going to the kitchen, I’ll be back in a few hours. Love you!” I say, stopping at the front door to blow him another kiss.

I feel a sense of relief as he opens the containers and takes a bite before giving me a thumbs up. He’s not back to his old self just yet, but this feels like an improvement.

Only when I’m back in the car do I feel sadness at the distance between my father and I now. I need to find a way to close this gap. I miss my dad. I’m grateful for the quiet as we pull into the kitchen’s parking lot.

Struggling to push the painful thoughts from my mind, I force a smile to my lips.

I’m looking forward to working in the kitchen tonight; I’ve been missing it. I enjoy working in the garden for sure, but there’s nothing quite like actually handing hot food from a freshly cooked batch of whatever we’ve made to someone who’s looking forward to it.

We get out and make our way to the kitchen when he takes my shoulder and turns me around. I stare up at him, unsure what he’s doing. But he pulls me into a hug. I hug him back, glad for his support and strength.

“You okay?” he asks softly and I nod.

“I will be.” It’s true. I will be. We break apart and head inside. The place is warm and already filled with the rich scent of stew. Something thick, hearty and hot.

“Sue!” I call and she comes around the corner, a huge smile on her face. She pulls me in for a hug and I hug her back. She’s a slight, frail old lady and I love her dearly. “You made stew, didn’t you?” I ask, inhaling the delicious scent as she lets me go and steps back.

“Of course,” she says and I follow her into the back. “We’re ready if you’d like to open early,” she says.

“I came in the back,” I say, feeling a little bad that I don’t even know if there’s a line. I’m sure there is.

“We’ll open it up,” Rossi says and Sue finally looks over at him.

She elbows me. “Who’s this handsome young man?” she asks in a stage whisper, a twinkle in her eyes.

“A friend,” I say and she rolls her eyes.

“In my day, if I had a friend that looked like that, he’d be more than a friend,” she says suggestively.

I giggle and head toward the front to open the doors.

Working beside Gavin all night is a pleasure. He’s kind to everyone. He’s quick witted and talks to everyone like they’re his equals. He doesn’t shy away from dirty hands or hugs. He’s got a quick smile for everyone and he’s funny and sweet.

And I fall just a little deeper.