If Only

Chapter Forty-Three: Uncharted Waters

We savored the delicious meal that Jared had expertly prepared. While I was aware of his culinary skills, the flavors that danced across my taste buds exceeded my expectations. The lasagna, in particular, elicited a momentary pause as its rich taste unfolded on my palate.

Still chewing, I raised my plate to my face, my eyes locking onto Jared. "This is good," I exclaimed, my appreciation evident in the smile that played on my lips.

Jared's shoulders shook with laughter, his amusement infectious. "Careful now, you don't want to spit that all over the place," he teased, prompting me to respond with a playful hit on his arm.

After managing to swallow, I realized I hadn't properly expressed my gratitude. "But seriously, Jared... this is good."

He nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders, digging into his own plate of food. "I have my ways," he stated with a hint of mystery.

"How did I get so lucky with this? You, and this incredible cooking..." I took a deliberate moment to absorb the scene, wanting to imprint every detail into my memory. The smile on Jared's face was a testament to the joy of the moment. I relished every aspect of it—the shade offered by the trees, shielding us from the sun's heat, the serene melody of birds chirping overhead. It was nothing short of perfect.

I was halfway through savoring the last bites of my lasagna when my mind circled back to an earlier moment. I couldn't help but recall how I had casually mentioned that my dad would be looking for me, a fib that had slipped from my lips.

"You weren't bothered when I said my dad would be looking for me earlier?" The question, seemingly out of the blue, lingered in the air. I felt compelled to inquire.

Jared, finishing his garlic bread, nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders before responding, "I would be... if I knew he was here. But I knew you were bluffing."

Furrowing my brows, I countered, "No, you don't."

"Oh, don't act like I haven't seen the news about your father being in Spain right now... and... you're a bad liar..."

My mouth dropped open in a mix of surprise and amusement, and I playfully hit him on the arm. He responded with a feigned wince.

"You're mean..." I teased, adopting a slightly whiny tone.

Playful banter filled the air between us when Chandler unexpectedly resurfaced, clearly intent on catching Jared's attention.

"Hey, so you up for later or what?" Chandler's voice carried a hint of annoyance, though it seemed more in jest than anything serious.

My brows knitted together in curiosity, and I turned my gaze towards Jared, waiting for his response. Rather than addressing Chandler immediately, Jared looked at me first and said, "Oh, yeah... before I forget... The rest of us are going to the lake this afternoon. And umm... I want you to come..."

A teasing smile, barely suppressed, curved my lips. "What if I said 'no'?" I challenged, my tone carrying a hint of playful defiance.

We exchanged looks, seemingly oblivious to Chandler's presence, our eyes locked in a silent anticipation, waiting for Jared's response.

"Either that or I'd have to carry you on my shoulder so you'd be there..." Jared teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I could hear Chandler's groan from a distance, but Jared and I remained unfazed, still exchanging playful looks.

"Okay, okay, I'll be there..." I finally relented.

"Then we'll be there," Jared confirmed, redirecting his response to Chandler, who nodded in acknowledgment, letting out a somewhat forced "Thank you..." before deciding to leave us to our playful banter once again.