Need A Coffee Miss Hughes? (WLW)

Chapter 23

I do not know what to do. What do I make? What do I cook? WHAT IF I BURN THE HOUSE DOWN?

Okay, alright, I've got this. It's just a wee little issue. I just don't know how to buy vegetables. That's fine. Father, I blame you for never teaching me.

I was so happy when I heard that he was leaving again for another work trip. I'm surprised he didn't question my hyper-ness.

I'm surprised she even remembered when I mentioned it, actually. I definitely thought she forgot.

I have been staring at these onions for far too long now; I need to move. Two hours until she turns up at the house and I haven't finished shopping yet. Jesus.

"Excuse me, miss, do you perchance know how to buy vegetables?" I ask a middle-aged woman, giving her my best smile. She definitely looks like a soccer mom.

She looks surprised, but can I blame her?

"Uh, sure. What are you looking to make?" she asks, her expression softening into one of amusement.

"That's the problem," I admit, running a hand through my hair. "I have no idea. I just need something that won't set the house on fire."

She laughs, a warm, friendly sound. "Alright, let's start with something simple. How about a stir-fry? It's quick, easy, and hard to mess up."

"That sounds perfect," I say, feeling a surge of relief.

She walks me through the vegetable section, pointing out bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. "These are great for stir-fry. You can add onions and garlic for flavor, and maybe some chicken or tofu if you want protein."

I nod, trying to keep up. "Got it. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, onions, garlic, and chicken or tofu."

She gives me a reassuring smile. "Exactly. Just chop everything up, stir-fry it in a bit of oil, and add some soy sauce or whatever seasoning you like. It'll be delicious."

"Thank you so much," I say, genuinely grateful. "You've saved me from a potential disaster." and maybe arson.

"No problem," she says, patting my shoulder. "Good luck with your cooking!"

As she walks away, I feel a bit more confident. I quickly grab the vegetables she suggested and make my way to the checkout, mentally preparing for the life threatening challenge ahead. Two hours until Lauren arrives. I can do this. You must be wondering why did I call her over when I have no idea what i'm going to be cooking. Well, piss off, I just wanted an excuse to spend time with her. 

As I rush home, in my dad's car- careful enough not to harm the car because I have the worst luck on the planet, I immediately place everything on the counter and start prepping. I already made dessert, which is blueberry cheesecake, so I guess I've got dessert to give her if I fail at cooking the main course.

I have exactly 45 minutes left. Time to pull up YouTube, have I ever made this? Absolutely not. It shouldn't be that hard right?

Dear heavenly God, these onions are making me sob. I'm literally just frying them, so why are they making me cry like I've just watched the saddest movie ever? I put on my swimming goggles. I was prepared for the worst, so don't judge.

My rice should be done in 10 minutes. I feel like I'm in an episode of Masterchef. If this is a hit, I should definitely go for it.

In a matter of minutes, I hear the doorbell ring. WHY IS SHE ON TIME? FUCK?!

I run to the door, flinging it open, only to receive a shocked expression.

"Why do you look like that?" she asks, not hiding her expression of distaste. She looks HOT. She's wearing a tight fit full sleeve t-shirt and black pants. She's quite the woman I must say. I have not seen her in anything but full sleeves.