Stilettos in the City

Chapter Four

I woke up to the savory aroma of breakfast, and my stomach growled in response. After a refreshing shower and getting dressed, I pulled my hair into a ponytail, preparing for another day of potential queasiness.

As I entered the kitchen, I was greeted by the sight of Caden expertly flipping pancakes. "You didn't have to make breakfast," I said, walking over to him. "I can take care of it."

Caden smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Nope, I've got it. You deserve a break."

I smiled, feeling grateful for his kindness. "Thank you, Caden. I'll set the table."

As we sat down to eat, Caden asked, "So, when are you planning to talk to Toby?"

I took a bite of my eggs, considering my response. "I'm thinking of calling him this afternoon."

Caden's brow furrowed. "But doesn't he not have his phone anymore?"

I nodded. "I still have his dad's number, though. He usually tells his parents everything."

Caden nodded, taking a sip of his milk. "And what about the doctor's appointment? Are you going to make it before or after you call him?"

"I want to make the appointment after I talk to him," I replied.

As we finished our meal, Caden asked, "Do you want seconds?"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, sure."

Caden smiled and brought me a small plate of eggs. I thanked him and began to eat, feeling grateful for his support and care.

I turned to Caden with a thoughtful expression. "Do you want to do something tomorrow?"

Caden looked up from his pancakes, a hint of interest in his eyes. "Sure, what did you have in mind?"

I shrugged, feeling a sense of excitement at the possibilities. "I don't know, it's New York – I'm sure we'll figure something out."

Caden's face lit up with a suggestion. "You like walking, right? What about Central Park?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, that sounds perfect."

Caden smiled, seeming pleased with himself. "Okay, sounds good."

As he finished washing the dishes, I felt a sudden surge of gratitude toward him. I walked over and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug.

Caden was taken aback at first, but then he relaxed into the hug, returning it warmly. We stood there for a moment, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's company.

As we pulled back, Caden looked at me with a curious expression. "What was that for?"

I laughed, feeling a little self-conscious. "I just wanted to thank you, but I didn't know how."

Caden's face broke into a warm smile. "You know what? You're really adorable, in a quirky way."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Quirky? How?"

Caden chuckled. "You just do things like randomly hug me, or kiss my cheek. It's cute."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. "Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable."

But Caden shook his head, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No, don't apologize. I love the way you do those things. It's what makes you, you."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, and I hastily changed the subject. "So, when do you want to leave?"

Caden smiled, seeming to sense my sudden shyness. "I'll change back into my clothes, wash these, and then I'll be off. Whenever I get around to doing that, I'll come say goodbye."