The Quiet Contract

Good Morning - Proud

Jennie POV

Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bedroom. I stirred, my body stretching lazily before I reached out instinctively. But my hand met only cool sheets. Lisa wasn't there.

Panic surged through me, and I sat up quickly, scanning the room. For a brief, horrifying moment, I wondered if last night had been a dream—a cruelly vivid figment of my imagination. But no, the faint scent of her shampoo lingered on the pillow beside me.

I scrambled out of bed, not even bothering to put on slippers, and rushed into the living room. My heart was pounding, but then I froze at the sight before me.

Lisa stood in my kitchen, humming softly as she flipped something in a pan. She was wearing one of my oversized shirts and her shorts from last night. Her hair was slightly tousled, falling into her eyes as she focused on the stove.

Relief washed over me, followed by something warm and unnameable. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Without thinking, I moved toward her and wrapped my arms around her waist from behind.

"Morning," I mumbled, pressing my cheek to her back.

Lisa stiffened for a split second, startled, but then she relaxed and let out a soft laugh. "Good morning, clingy," she teased, glancing over her shoulder at me. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did," I admitted, tightening my hold on her. "But I didn't see you when I woke up and thought... well, I don't know what I thought. I panicked."

She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine with a soft, amused look. "You thought I'd just disappear?"

"Maybe," I muttered, feeling a little ridiculous now.

Lisa chuckled, her hand reaching back to pat mine. "I wouldn't do that to you. I'm here, aren't I?"

I sighed contentedly, burying my face against her shoulder. "What are you cooking?"

"Breakfast," she said casually. "Something simple."

I finally peeked around her, noticing the sizzling eggs and some toast on a plate nearby. That's when it hit me. "Wait," I said, stepping back slightly to look at her. "Where did you get all this food? The last time I checked, my kitchen was practically empty."

Lisa smirked, clearly proud of herself. "I went grocery shopping."

My jaw dropped, and I stared at her. "You... went grocery shopping?"

"Yep." She gestured toward the pantry, which I now noticed was packed with ingredients, and then pointed to the fridge, which was equally stocked. "I figured your penthouse could use some actual food."

I crossed my arms, trying to look stern but failing miserably. "You didn't have to do that. I can buy my own groceries, you know."

Lisa turned to me fully, her hands resting on her hips as she raised an eyebrow. "I know you can. But I wanted to."

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Her expression softened, and she took a step closer to me. "Because I plan on spending a lot more time here," she said simply. "And I want to cook for you every chance I get. It's not a big deal, Jennie."

I blinked, taken aback by how sweet and matter-of-fact she sounded. "You... want to cook for me?"

Lisa grinned. "Yeah. You don't mind, do you? I mean, after your French toast attempt, someone has to step up."