I made up an excuse and left the backyard.
Inside the spacious kitchen, Cindy was running around preparing the ingredients. When she saw me, her eyes twinkled as if she had seen her saving grace. "What should I do, Nance? My culinary skills are just mediocre at best."
Looking at the chaotic countertops, it was far from mediocrity. It was downright terrible.
I quickly tied on an apron. "Let me handle this."
While my culinary skills weren't exceptional, making Kate's favorite dishes was like second nature to me. Plus, I had cooked for Bruce countless times during the two years together, so I knew their preferences like the back of my hand.
In less than half an hour, I had prepared five dishes and even a pot of soup. It was mushroom soup, one of Bruce's favorites.
Kate observed the served dishes, and her stiff expression finally softened. She hadn't realized it was my handiwork.
At that moment, I didn't know whether to be relieved or upset. When she was hospitalized due to her heart attack, I was the one who cooked her all three meals for over a month.
"Please give it a try, Aunt Kate." Cindy enthusiastically handed Kate a pair of utensils. "See if it suits your taste."
"Wait, Bruce is still on his way back." Kate shook her head.
"Bruce is coming too?" Cindy's doe eyes were full of anticipation.
Speak of the devil, Bruce had just arrived. He didn't seem surprised to see us. My guess was that he probably caught wind of this before coming home.
Cindy eagerly approached him with a smile. "Tonight's dinner was prepared by me, Bruce. Come and taste it."
Bruce took a seat while Kate and Cindy took the two seats beside him. Cindy kept serving Bruce dishes, acting like a dutiful wife.
I was the odd one out.
Bruce and Kate liked Cindy's "cooking" and were enjoying every bite. When the mushroom soup was served, Cindy ladled a bowl for Bruce. After taking a sip, he furrowed his brows unconsciously.
"What's wrong, Bruce?" Cindy observed worriedly.
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