Days With Zion Dawsey

32. A Cook

"I made lunch." Zion announced as he stepped into the guest room. Bonnie has been in there ever since she left him in the living room earlier that day. He refused to beg her to talk, so he went on with his schedule.

He started working in order to distract himself and then cooked for everyone. She ought to talk to him now, he thought as he waited for her to respond.
"I've been smelling it for a while. What did you make?" Bonnie asked, standing up with River on her hip.

"Chicken Alfredo pasta." He answered, leading her towards the dining table.
"Sounds delicious." She commented just as she reached the table and saw how nice it was set. Two plates were set across each other and a little bowl for River was there as well.

"I don't know if he eats noodles or chicken yet. But I got him a bowl anyways. I cut them into little pieces." He shrugged, sitting down. Bonnie nodded and slowly sat down across Zion.
"He does. He first ate solid foods around a month ago and he loves it." She informed him.

"Good." Zion said, watching River already reaching for the delicious smelling and looking pasta dish. Bonnie secured him on her lap and then let him dig in with his hands.
"He seems to enjoy it." Bonnie giggled, starting to dig in herself.

"Looks like it." Zion agreed as he twirled his first bite onto his fork. Indiscreetly he watched Bonnie take her first bite and was momentarily mesmerized when she closed her eyes in what looked like appreciation. Her eyes opened so fast, Zion had no chance of averting his own. He cleared his throat and looked away once she caught him staring.

"It tastes amazing, Zion. Who knew you were such a great cook." Bonnie complimented the chef, who nodded and felt his cheeks warm up.
"Thank you." Was all he said. When she didn't answer and it started to be quiet again, Zion gulped his bite down and looked at her again.

"So what did you do the whole time I was working?" He finally asked, genuinely interested.
"I searched for a house with gates in a secure neighbourhood. I don't think I want to stay at mine even after the paparazzi eventually get tired. Funny enough, I found a few houses around your neighbourhood." Bonnie explained, watching Zion's reaction with great interest.

"Oh." Was all he offered as he took another bite. She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to make out what he was thinking in that moment, but was disappointed when she had no idea.
"If you want we can look for some today. I know a few people that could arrange a house viewing." He said.

"Oh, that would be great. How fast could we see one?" She asked and Zion shrugged.
"I need to make a few calls first. I'll do that after lunch." He answered and Bonnie nodded. Zion really didn't seem to mind her leaving that fast. Of course, Bonnie knew he valued his privacy and stuff, but she hoped- what exactly was she hoping for? For Zion to change overnight and suddenly want her? She almost snorted at that.

Maybe she was being delusional. She shouldn't forget what she did to him and how she acted the first few months after they first met. She shouldn't forget all the times she made him angry on purpose and ignored his demands. But above all, she should never forget who Zion Asher Dawsey was. He was and still is the most respected businessman and personality in Silverthorne. He is feared by so many and trusts so little.

"I was also thinking about Kent. Are we positive that he did what he did on his own record?" She asked Zion, who frowned at her question.
"What do you mean? Like he was influenced?"

"Yes, I just mean that he really seemed genuine whenever we met. It's hard for me to believe that he did it on his own." Bonnie told Zion.
"Of course. And that is exactly why I didn't tell you. I knew you wouldn't believe me. I know for a fact that it was all Kent's doing. Whether someone influenced him or not, he did it. I don't care if someone threatened to end his life, he should not have done it." Zion snapped.

"I was just-"
"Trying to still see the good in him. Even though you know just as well as me that he was the one dirtying your name, my name and our son's reputation. If you want to be with someone like that, then good luck. Your priorities might not lay where I thought they would." Zion glared at Bonnie.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked, getting angry as well.
"I'm saying how can a guy like that be more important to you than the future-"
"I strongly advise you not to finish that sentence or I swear to God, Zion. I will lose it." She glared back at him. River propably sensed his mother's distress and stopped eating.

It was quiet as the two adults had a stare off. Zion was not willing to let go of that subject, but knew that she would only snap back at him as always. Bonnie also knew that and dared him to continue talking. The two slowly lifted up their forks again and forcefully twisted another bite onto them. They started eating and ignoring each other once more.

"Dada." They suddenly heard. Bonnie's eyes widened as she looked down at her son. Zion frowned when Bonnie gasped.

"Oh my God." She whispered, turning River and lifting him up in front of her. The boy had cheese sauce all over his face and hands, but that didn't stop Bonnie from hugging him tight and giving him smooches.
"You just said your first word." Bonnie said.

"His first word?" Zion couldn't help his widened eyes. He was there when his son said his first word? He witnessed it!
"Yes, he said dada." Bonnie smiled at him. Zion couldn't believe it and was once again greeted with another unfamiliar warmth in his chest.

"I am a little offended that it wasn't mama." Bonnie joked as she placed River back on her lap and let him finish his food. Zion snorted when he looked at her.
"You've got a little sauce there." He pointed his finger on his cheek and watched her try to get rid of the cheese on her face.

"Here, let me." Zion shook his head, took his napkin and tried to rid her face of the sauce. Once he was done, he withdrew his hand. A second later, he realized what he had just done and cleared his throat. Bonnie stared at him for a second and then gulped before mentally shaking her head.

It meant nothing, she kept telling herself.