Fleckless

Chapter 14

Jake's POV

As I sit among Lizzie's friends, I can't help but watch her with an overwhelming sense of love. Even as they reminisce about their adventures, her presence captivates me entirely. Mia's gentle nudge brings Lizzie's attention back to their lively conversation, and I find myself excusing myself with a smile, promising to return shortly.

Heading towards the kitchen, my mind drifts to the question of what to make for dinner. Lizzie's preferences flash through my thoughts, and I make a mental note to ask her opinion. Just as I reach the kitchen, my phone rings, and I see it's a call from my brother, Enzo. With a quick swipe, I answer, eager to catch up with him even amidst the joyful chaos of the evening.

My heart clenches at Enzo's voice, filled with an unusual sense of vulnerability and worry. "Brother, I need your help," he whispers urgently, his words hanging heavy in the air. The unexpected address of "brother" sends a shockwave through me, stirring up a tangled web of emotions that we've both been grappling with for years.

Despite our strained relationship, I can't ignore the plea in his voice. With a deep breath, I steady myself, ready to offer whatever support I can to my troubled brother.

"What can I do for you, Enzo?" I inquire, bracing myself for his response. Minutes stretch into a tense silence, and I find myself anxiously checking the screen to ensure he's still on the line. Finally, his voice breaks the quiet, urgent, and eager.

"How fast can you get to London?" Enzo's question hangs in the air, laden with implications I can't ignore. My brother's involvement in illegal activities has always been a concern, despite my repeated warnings falling on deaf ears. It's been three long years since we last met, and the prospect of seeing him again stirs a mix of emotions within me.

"Monday morning," I respond firmly, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Don't reach out until I call you." There's a moment of acknowledgment from Enzo before the call disconnects, leaving me standing alone in the kitchen, my mind racing with a flood of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Before I can fully process everything, I murmur softly to the empty room, "And Enzo, take care."

As the call ends, a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts sweeps through my mind, leaving me frustrated and overwhelmed. My brother's request adds another layer of complexity to our already strained relationship, and I can't help but wonder if this is yet another dangerous situation he's gotten himself into.

Part of me wants to confide in Lizzie, to share the burden of my worries with her, but another part hesitates. I don't want to involve her in the tangled web of my family's troubles, especially when our relationship is still in its early stages. With a heavy heart, I push aside the impulse to tell her and focus instead on finding an excuse for my sudden departure on Monday.

As Lizzie enters the kitchen, her presence momentarily distracts me from my turbulent thoughts. She senses something amiss and asks what's wrong, prompting me to quickly mask my anxiety with a forced smile. "Nothing, just thinking about dinner," I reply, attempting to deflect her concern. "What do you think we should make?" Despite my efforts to appear calm and collected, my mind continues to race with worries and uncertainties, overshadowing the simple task of deciding what to cook for dinner.

"Lasagna it is, if it's not too much to ask for," Lizzie replies with a mischievous grin, her playful banter momentarily easing the tension in the air. "And of course, dessert later?" I respond in kind, matching her teasing tone with a smirk.

As she opens the fridge and retrieves a strawberry, her actions oozing with playful sensuality, I can't help but feel a surge of affection for her. With a wink, she saunters out of the kitchen, leaving me with amusement and longing. Despite the weight of my worries, her lighthearted demeanor serves as a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and spontaneity amidst the chaos of life.

As I retrieve the ingredients for the lasagna, my mind remains distracted, still reeling from the unexpected call with Enzo. Nevertheless, I push the troubling thoughts to the back of my mind and focus on the task.

I begin by slicing fresh vegetables – ripe tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and fragrant onions – with careful precision, the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board as a comforting distraction. Each slice is made with deliberate care, the vibrant colors of the vegetables offering a brief respite from the chaos swirling in my mind.

Next, I prepare the sauce, simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano, the savory aroma filling the kitchen and momentarily transporting me to a simpler time. As the sauce thickens, I layer the ingredients – tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous helping of mozzarella – in a baking dish, each addition a deliberate step towards creating a comforting meal for Lizzie and myself.

Despite the turmoil in my thoughts, cooking serves as a grounding force, anchoring me in the present moment and providing a sense of purpose amidst the uncertainty. And as the lasagna bakes in the oven, filling the air with the tantalizing scent of melted cheese and savory sauce, I find solace in the simple pleasure of preparing a meal for the woman I love.