Whispers in Secret

12- Believe

Blake glanced at the TV, which was still paused on the credits of the action romance movie they had just finished. “How about we find something completely different this time? No more Mafia dramas for a while,” he suggested with a laugh.

Ella raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you have in mind?”

“Maybe a classic comedy? Something light and fun. Or we could go for a superhero movie—always a good time,” he offered, scrolling through their options on the streaming service.

“Actually, a superhero movie sounds perfect,” Ella agreed. “I could use a good laugh and some action without the whole ‘life-or-death’ stakes.”

Blake grinned, selecting a popular superhero film. “Perfect! Get ready for some epic fights and cheesy one-liners.”

As they settled back onto the couch, Ella felt a wave of comfort wash over her, grateful for Blake’s friendship and the distraction. Little did she know that her mind would inevitably drift back to Lucien throughout the movie, but for now, she was ready to enjoy the moment.

With the opening scene rolling, they both dug into their snacks, laughter filling the room as they became engrossed in the superhero antics unfolding on the screen.

Ella bounced into the kitchen with a newfound energy, eager to prepare a beautiful Sunday dinner. She gathered her ingredients, smiling at the thought of surprising Blake with a delicious meal.

First, she set to work on the French fried chicken. She marinated the chicken in a blend of spices, buttermilk, and a hint of hot sauce, letting it soak in all the flavors. While it rested, she prepared the batter, mixing flour with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.

Next, she turned her attention to the mashed potatoes. She peeled and chopped the potatoes, placing them in a pot of boiling water. While they cooked, she prepped the rice and peas, combining jasmine rice with coconut milk, thyme, and red kidney beans in another pot, savoring the enticing aroma as it simmered.

As the chicken fried, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of spices and crispy goodness. Ella couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how much Blake would enjoy the meal. She carefully arranged the fried chicken on a platter, its golden-brown coating glistening in the light.

Once everything was ready, she set the table, making sure to add a touch of elegance with some candles and a small vase of flowers. Just as she finished, Blake wandered into the kitchen, drawn in by the delicious aromas.

“Wow, Ella! It smells incredible in here!” he exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Thanks! I thought I’d whip up something special for us,” she replied with a grin, feeling a warm flutter of excitement at his praise.

As they sat down to eat, Ella felt a sense of accomplishment and joy. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful rice and peas made for a perfect Sunday dinner, and she couldn’t wait to share it with Blake. They laughed and talked over their meal, the clatter of forks and the cozy atmosphere creating a delightful backdrop for their evening.

As Blake dug into the meal, he let out an appreciative sigh. “Damn, Ella, if you keep this up, sexy Storm’s gonna be wrapped around your finger,” he said, savoring a bite of the crispy French fried chicken.

Ella looked up from her plate, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “You think so?”

“Absolutely,” Blake replied, his mouth full as he gestured at the spread before them. “This chicken is incredible! And the mashed potatoes? Perfection. You’ve created a whole feast here.”