Chapter 17
Ivan jumped up at Stephanie’s words, his eyes wide in disbelief. “You broke up with Liam only a few days ago, and you’re already out on a blind date?
Stephanie stepped back, distancing herself from Liam before glancing at Ivan. She sounded indifferent. “We’re done. Whether I go on dates had nothing to do with either of you
Liam stared at his empty hand, swallowing hard like he wanted to say something. He turned to her, his eyes filled with sorrow. “You said you wanted to get married–shouldn’t that be with me?”
Stephanie gave a half–smile, her tone breezy. “Sorry, but I don’t do second chances with exes.”
Liam’s expression shifted instantly at her words.
Ivan didn’t see that coming and jumped to Liam’s defense. “Liam didn’t do anything wrong Why’d you dump him out of the blue? And now you’re jumping right into blind dates like it’s nothing.
“Haven’t you loved Liam for years? Why would you do something so ridiculous?”
“Out of the blue“, “jumping right into blind dates“, and “doing something so ridiculous–Stephanic thought it all just sounded so selfish.
She wasn’t interested in debating who was right or wrong. It was pointless, so she simply said, “I’m not into him anymore, so I ended it. Is that i problem?
Stephanie couldn’t care less about their reactions and headed to her apartment
Ivan couldn’t take it anymore when he saw how cold she was. From about ten feet away, he yelled, “Stephanie! Liam’s right hand is ruined now! Don’t you feel anything?”
Was he trying to play the sympathy card since his guilt trip failed?
Stephanie wasn’t having it. Without even looking back, she exclaimed, “Wasn’t that his choice? It’s got nothing to do with me–I’m his ex!”
The spring sunset cast a warm, golden light over Stephanie. Joy filled her eyes as she saw the new green buds growing on the branches and thought about the healing wound on her waist,
The harsh winter had passed, and the spring she’d been longing for had finally come.
When Stephanie opened the door, she was greeted by the delicious scent of barbecue ribs. She dropped her bag, slipped into her slippers, and hurried into the kitchen
She couldn’t take her eyes off the platter as she washed her hands, her mouth watering “Just in time for dinner! Mom, I’m having three servings tonight!
Hubert was bringing out the dishes and was surprised to see her return alone. “Didn’t we say to have Daniel join us for dinner? Where is he?” Stephanie dried her hands, then went to the cabinet for plates and cutlery. “He said he didn’t have anything ready today and didn’t want to bother us He’ll come next time with gifts.”
Rita removed her apron and followed them out of the kitchen. She pulled out a chair and said, “He’s so polite. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I wouldn’t have made so much food. This is such a waste.”
Stephanie speared a piece of barbecue rib while waving it off. “Not at all! I can finish all this on my
“Yeah, you’ve always had a big appetite but got picky with food after you went to your aunt’s. Look at how skinny you’ve gotten–your face is all bones, and your arms are like twigs,” Rita muttered, loading her plate with more meat,
Not wanting to be outdone, Hubert scooped a generous spoonful of salad to her plate, insisting she needed to keep a balanced diet, Stephanie couldn’t help but feel bad when she saw how much food was on her plate and the table overflowing with tasty dishes. Hubert was from Javerton, while Rita came from Riverton. Together, they had their only daughter, Stephanie.
When Stephanie was 16, the doctors suggested that Rita, who couldn’t get used to the northern weather, return to Riverton.
So Hubert brought Rita back to Riverton and had Stephanie stay with her aunt until she graduated high school, after which she could return to Riverton for college.
But Stephanie didn’t listen to Hubert and Rita as she’d fallen for Liam. She applied to Helmwood College and stayed in Javerton after high school.
After being apart for nine years, she finally returned to Hubert and Rita.
A lump formed in Stephanie’s throat, and she almost teared up when she noticed their gray hairs and wrinkles. She quickly dropped her head to hide her
tears.
Then, she put on a bright smile. “Mom, your cooking is the best I could eat this every single day.”
“I can make this for you every day if you like it.”
