The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 325

Aaron fell silent. For a second, it felt like he’d forgotten how to speak.

“Easy, easy.” Petty gently helped Malcom lower himself onto the sofa.

“You should really think about Aaron’s suggestion,” she said as she made sure Malcom was steady. “He’s a guy, so having him around to help would probably be way more convenient for you.”

Malcom parked his crutch next to the armrest and glanced at Petty, his face unreadable. He started typing on his phone. [I don’t like living with other people, and I can’t get used to restaurant food.]

Petty just stared at him. Seriously, this guy had so many quirks.

That was when she finally noticed the grocery bag Aaron had put on the table. Inside were vegetables and meat. Malcom must’ve picked them up earlier.

Was he planning to cook for himself?

Just picture him, hobbling around the kitchen, trying to wash and cut veggies, frying something on the stove. It made her feel weirdly guilty for even thinking about leaving him to it.

Petty shrugged off her jacket and rolled up her sleeves. “Let me cook. It’s no big deal.”

Malcom typed again. [Won’t that be too troublesome?]

“It’s really not. My cooking’s not exactly fancy, so just bear with it, okay? If it’s totally inedible, we can always bite the bullet and order takeout for a few days.”

Malcom nodded in agreement.

Aaron wandered in after her. He didn’t really know how to cook, but he could at least wash vegetables, so he made himself useful at the sink.

Since the kitchen was open to the living room, Malcom only had to look up to watch Petty at the counter, sleeves up, all focused and serious while she prepped ingredients. For a moment, he found himself just watching her.

So that’s how she was in the kitchen, Malcom thought, remembering all those months when he couldn’t see a thing.

“Malcom, do you eat spicy food?” Petty suddenly glanced up.

The look in Malcom’s eyes softened. He nodded.

This was only the second time Petty had cooked for someone else.

Petty just acted like it was nothing. Her voice was steady. “After you finish, just put your plate and bowl in the dishwasher. If there’s anything you can’t do alone, call us. I’ll drop by before meals to cook for you for a few days, at least until you’re feeling more up to it.”

She sounded so natural that Malcom didn’t feel embarrassed or exposed. She never once stared.

Malcom typed out another message. [Weren’t you going to Coralia?]

Petty shook her head, didn’t explain, and tugged Aaron out the door with her.

The apartment slipped back into silence as soon as they left.

Malcom sat at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and took a bite of food.

A sudden punch of spiciness went straight up his nose.

He choked out a cough.