(un) Broken by Charlotte Daniels

Author:Charlotte Daniels [Daniels, Charlotte]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780648694007
Published: 2020-03-22T16:00:00+00:00

11

Ellie

“Can you please make something for me so I can at least pretend I can cook?” Mia whines, her voice cracking through the speaker on my phone.

I pipe swirls of vanilla-bean whipped cream around the edges of my famous mint chocolate cheesecake. Definitely going to have to do some cardio after eating a piece of this…

“Does sex count as cardio?”

Mia chuckles, her laughter fueling my own soft giggles. “Ellie, focus. I need to bring something to impress Mom and Dad 2.0.”

When I’d first mentioned Paul and Betty to Mia and Katie, they were worried I was being brainwashed to join some cult where I’d have to give up all of my money, live in a hovel, and make animal sacrifices to the Old Gods. This is what happens when you have a creative mind… it works in mysterious ways.

But as soon as they met the older couple, they fell in love, claiming them as our New York City parents. I love and will be forever grateful to the Sinclair’s for taking me in; it’s nice to have someone else to turn to… a family I can call my own. Even if it’s not official.

“After your disastrous cooking attempts for the past two years, I’m pretty sure they know you suck. And that you’ve been buying and repackaging your contribution as ‘homemade’ ever since.”

“How do they know? I was just printing out some recipe I found online for the broccoli salad I brought last time! Everyone wanted it.”

Sprinkling crumbled Oreo’s onto the cheesecake, I laugh. “I’m pretty sure they only wanted it because they knew you wouldn’t have a clue what went into it. They have two girls. Do you honestly think your sudden culinary skills would go unnoticed?”

“Well… Okay, fine. I see your point. Now will you help me?”

I cover the cheesecake. “Why don’t you just buy something? And instead of trying to lie about it, just keep it in the takeaway tray? It’s not like you’re going to wash up the dish.”

“Bitch.”

“You love me, really.”

“Yeah, whatever. Are you bringing Garrett to the barbecue?”

I rest my hands on top of the Tupperware. Huh. I didn’t even think of that. But it’s not like we’re dating or anything. “Ah, I don’t think so? I mean, we haven’t really talked about spending time outside of our apartments… or the building. Don’t you think it would be weird to rock up with some guy and be like, ‘Hey guys, this is Garrett. He’s my neighbor. He brings me food, and I repay him with terrible sexual favors.’” I snort. “It’s not exactly the right place for that… is it? And what if he doesn’t want to go, and then it’s awkward? I shouldn’t ask him.” The skin around my scars prickles with heat as my mind works through all of the possible reasons for him to say no.

“Ellie, breathe. Let’s just break that down into more manageable chunks before both our heads explode.” Her calming tone soothes me, and I swallow.

“Okay.”

“Good. Now… First, call Paul or Betty and see if it’s okay to bring Garrett.

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