Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Ah. Uh…maybe Soren had a plan for an appetizer, but I’m not sure. At home, mom usually put out carrot sticks, stuff like that.” The mention of his mother made Russ’s shoulders slump.
“We can do a little better than that.” Esteban was determined to get Russ’s mind off his apparently small-minded family keeping their distance and onto the family he still had, the ones he was making the meal for. And if there was one thing Esteban was good at, it was hosting. Not waiting for an invitation, he opened Russ’s fridge, taking inventory. “We still have some fresh herbs. You can do a rosemary apple cider spritzer, adding bourbon for those who drink, if you have it.”
“That sounds really good.” Admiration shone in Russ’s eyes, and Esteban had to work hard to not preen over a simple cocktail idea. “And yeah, I’ve got some bourbon. Connie and Bob will appreciate a cocktail, I’m sure. I just didn’t think of it.”
“Luckily, that’s what you have me for,” Esteban said lightly, enjoying being needed. “I’m betting Soren had plans for this brie cheese. Not sure what they were, but I can get it ready for a quick bake, with some sort of sweet and savory topping. The kid might only eat the crackers, but it’ll make a nice presentation for everyone else.”
“You’re a wizard.”
“Not quite.” In Russ’s pantry cupboard, he found a jar of orange jam. “This will work. It’s similar to the marmalade filling Mami always used in holiday pastries like semitas. I can go with that flavor profile for a topping plus some toasted and spiced pecans.”
“Awesome. Let’s do that.”
After the brie was prepped and ready for its turn in the oven, they turned their attention to the salad and vegetable dishes. The smell of roasting meat chased out the last of the onion stench and their light conversation made time pass quickly. Russ might not have Esteban’s knife skills, but he had a quick wit and wasn’t the gloomy Eeyore type Esteban had suspected. Nor was he the thickheaded military jock his background might have suggested. He took a particular interest in Esteban’s job, which was nice, and Esteban had plenty of entertaining stories about the kids and the foundation’s work.
“You know, you might actually be almost ready,” Esteban remarked as they set aside a green-bean dish to keep warm. “Maybe I should—”
Right as he was about to suggest he head back to his place, the doorbell chimed.
“They’re early.” Russ sounded dire, like an enemy force was about to invade.
“You’ll do just fine.” Esteban patted him on his meaty biceps. “I’ll just slip out as you let them in—you can just say I was looking for the cat. That way you can claim all the cooking glory for yourself.”
Leaving through the front door was his only option. Their minuscule back patios had six-foot fences that Esteban had zero intention of scaling.
“You could stay,” Russ suggested, tone almost hopeful, as Esteban followed him toward the door.
“Nah.” Despite having some interest in how the feast went over, Esteban wasn’t about to barge into another family’s celebration. “Me and the cats have a date with some steak.”
He realized at the last second that he was still wearing his apron, a dead giveaway that he’d been helping, and he hung back to slip it off as Russ opened the door to admit a trio of adults and a cute little toddler in a blue sweater.
“Russ!” A very tall, very pregnant woman engulfed the big guy in a hug. But right as Esteban was about to slip away, she locked her gaze on him. “Oh! And this must be the new guy! We’re so delighted to meet you.”
“Yes, we’re so happy for Russ,” an older, elegant woman with cropped hair added.
Russ looked utterly miserable standing behind the women, expression stricken, like Esteban’s nephews after hearing one too many siguanaba monster stories.
Hell. Russ apparently hadn’t told them about the breakup. And now he had to come clean, which would undoubtedly cast a shadow over the gathering and make Russ’s predicament the center of attention. That had to be the last thing Russ wanted.
Esteban’s stomach churned unhappily in sympathy. If Esteban had figured out one thing about Russ in their time in the kitchen, it was that he was way more comfortable talking about others than himself. He wished there was some way to spare Russ the humiliation.
Wait. They don’t even know his name. Wasn’t that what Russ had said about his ex?
Esteban tried to catch Russ’s eyes. Should I pretend? Want me to?
He’d never had a blockbuster role, but Esteban wasn’t some scenery chewer either. He could still act, spare a nice guy a little awkwardness, and maybe ease his holiday burden. That earlier moment when Russ had talked about leaving the marines still lingered in Esteban’s brain. He understood all too well that change was hard. And Russ had surely been through enough of it.