ROMEO

27

E.V.A.

"How long before it's done?" Romeo asks for the third time.

I glance at the timer with a sigh. "Two minutes, cupcake."

He sits up, narrowing his eyes at me. "Whats wrong? You still sad over Zach's sadness?"

Yes. "No."

He shakes his head, rising to his feet. "Evie, lying is bad for you."

"So are cupcakes but you still eat them," I retort, crossing my arms.

He scoffs, leaning against the counter beside me. "Am I bad for you?"

I chuckle rolling my eyes. "No, cupcake."

The timer dings.

I pull the oven doors open, pulling the cakes out. Romeo stands behind me, his stomach gurgling.

"This is for your mother."

"I know, I know."

His stomach gurgles again and I laugh. "Go get some food."

"I don't want to leave you."

"You need food."

"I need you."

I smile, shaking my head. "You know, I should start calling you cheese-ball instead of cupcake."

"Call me whatever you want," He says, breath fanning my ear.

"Whatever you want, go get some food."

"Ha."

"I'm hilarious."

He sticks his finger in the icing then dashes to the door.

"I saw you!"

"Saw what?"

"Go get your food."

"I swear my heart just swells at the sight of you," Romeo says, leaning against the door frame.

I tilt my head to the side with a raised brow. "Really now?"

"Oh, yeah! It's like fireworks in my heart! I can't take the pain of being away from you!" Romeo screams clutching his heart.

"Get your cheesy ass out of here!" I laugh.

"Only cheesy for you, Evie!" He yells, walking out of the room.

***

Romeo pushes the door open. "Dad! Mom!"

No one answers.

He closes the door, beckoning me into the kitchen. "Hello! We're here!"

I place the cake on the counter, gazing around. "Maybe they're out."

He shakes his head. "I brought cake!"

Footsteps pound down the steps. "Romeo!"

Marshall speeds into the kitchen, face scruffier than usual, and his narrowed eyes fall on the cake. "Did you make this?"

"No, Evie did. You know I can't cook."

Marshall lets out a breath. "Thank goodness! No offense, but your food taste like... how do I put this?"

"Dirt." His mom chuckles, her pajama clad body shuffling into the kitchen. "Is that cake?"

I nod, talking proving to be more challenging than I thought. What if she still hates me?

She sighs, licking her lips. "Look, Eva, I'm sorry."

"It's OK," I blurt.

She chuckles. "It's not, but I will make it up to you."