Housekeeper (Lavens Family, part 1)

9. pizza

*Vanessa*

The night had already cloaked the world in shadow by the time Stephanie and I sank into the couch, the soft fabric cool against my skin. The warm glow of the lamp cast long, gentle shadows across the room, but the atmosphere in my house felt anything but calm. Stephanie was still apologizing, her words tumbling over each other in a stream of regret as we walked back from the store. I, however, couldn't stay mad at her for long. She meant well, even if her impulsive lies had led us into this mess. With a sigh, I waved off her apologies, my shoulders relaxing as I returned to my usual routine of teasing and laughter.

"So, Vanessa, how about we order a pizza?" Stephanie suggested, her voice light as she flopped back on the couch beside me, legs crossed, tapping her phone against her knee.

The thought of food, especially pizza, should have been comforting. But the mention of it turned my stomach, twisting the contents into something heavy and unappetizing. My face must've betrayed me because Stephanie's curious eyes flicked to me instantly.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," she said, her voice laced with concern, but also a hint of amusement.

I swallowed hard, trying to push down the discomfort that settled in my chest. "No, it's just that I forgot to pick up food for Dave. He's going to be furious."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly, still watching me. "I doubt he'll be that extreme."

Her words were meant to reassure me, but they only made me feel more anxious. The weight of the situation, the mess I'd created, was pressing down on me. With a resigned sigh, I grabbed my phone, fingers tapping nervously as I dialled Dave's number. The call connected after just one ring, his voice on the other end as if we hadn't just spoken earlier today.

"Hello, this is Dave."

"Dave, it's Vanessa," I muttered, my voice a bit strained, though I tried to sound normal.

"I gathered that when I picked up," he replied, his voice dripping with the usual sarcasm that always seemed to make my blood boil and my heart race at the same time.

I winced, trying to suppress the growing tension in my chest. "I forgot to buy your food," I said, my words coming out more awkwardly than I intended.

"Well, what now?" Dave asked, and even over the phone, I could hear the faint amusement in his voice.

I rolled my eyes at Stephanie, who was now leaning in, practically pressing her ear against my phone as if she were trying to listen to his every word. Can he ever be serious? I thought. Always with the sarcasm, never giving me a break.

"My guest won't be pleased," Dave said, his tone shifting slightly as though something in the background had caught his attention. "I promised him food."

"A guest?" I blinked, surprised. "Oh no, you didn't say that before."

"No, I might have failed to mention it." He paused for a moment, and I could hear voices in the background—someone asking him something. "What's on the menu?"

"Pizza," I answered quickly, the word slipping out before I could stop myself. "We're ordering pizza. If you'd like, I can add an order for you and your guest."

I glanced at Stephanie as I spoke, wincing at the words. She raised an eyebrow, giving me a teasing grin, and I immediately regretted mentioning his guest. I hadn't expected him to invite someone, and I certainly hadn't anticipated the awkwardness that would follow.

'Do you want pizza?' I heard Dave ask someone in the background, his voice muffled for a moment. After a short pause, he answered, "Okay. We'll come to you."