Cherry’s Jubilee (Lunchtime Chronicles: Season 7)

Chapter 19

Daniel

“So, we’ve always taught the girls that cooking is love. There’s no better way to show someone you love them than cooking a meal from your kitchen with your hands. When it’s made with love, it tastes better,” Michelle says.

While she talks, Cherry has a sad smile on her face. Then her mother leans in and gives her a quick kiss on her cheek. I don’t think Cherry was expecting that. It’s a quick moment. Michelle walks away and helps Kirby bring the food to the table.

“I notice that Dad’s birthday meal is nothing but Cherry’s favorites,” Solange states.

“Cherry needs a little bit more love today,” her dad says.

Cherry looks at the table, then cranes her neck to look at the sliding glass door as if planning her exit. After Solange gives each of us a drink, I take Cherry’s hand and leave the kitchen. Pinning her to the wall, I press my body into hers.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. “Why are Solange and Kirby acting like everything is okay while trying to get me drunk?” I lean down and nip her ear. “And why did you lie to me, Ms. Cross?”

She puts her drink on the floor, looks up at me, and wraps her arms around my neck. “Lie to you about what?”

“You said that your parents said cooking is caring. Remember that? ”

“Mmhmm. Where’s the lie, Jubilee? Out of the two of us, you’re the liar. Remember how you lied and told me you could cook?”

“This is not about my lack of cooking skills. Why did you lie to me?”

“I didn’t. Cooking is caring. That’s always been their mantra.”

“Your parents said cooking is love.” I clasp her chin. “Love is different than caring. We can care about everyone but love only a certain few.” She gets quiet and averts her eyes, but I force them back on me. “Is that why you cook for me?”

“Is what why I cook for you? And you have people to do that. I’ve cooked for you like twice.” She tries to knock my hand away, but I tighten it on her chin.

“Admit it.”

“Admit what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, don’t do that. My girl is a lot of things, but a dummy isn’t one of them. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

She stares into my eyes but doesn’t say a word. I glimpse the shy, nervous woman who was afraid to meet my family two weeks ago. She averts her gaze.

“Okay then. I’ll admit it first since you’re so scared. I love you.” Her eyes return to mine and widen, but she remains frozen. She licks her lips and continues to stare at me. “You heard me.”

“Well, I mean, I’m pretty lovable,” she says. I can see a blush spread across her face.

“And?” I ask.

“Oh my God. I love you too. Are you happy now, loser?”

“Very,” I say right before I lift her off her feet. She wraps her legs around me and finally lowers her lips to mine.

“I feel so bullied today. I can’t believe you—”

I shut her up by deepening the kiss. Her fingers slide through my hair and I feel a shudder go through my body. I end the kiss when my body wakes up, and I realize it will be at least a few more hours until we can celebrate our declaration of love .

I kiss her until I hear a loud throat clearing. Kirby and Solange are standing there staring at us. I put her down on her feet.

“You two have to sneak around to kiss? You can’t wait?” Solange asks.

Cherry blushes, and I snake an arm around her waist. “Your sister dragged me here to confess her love for me. She couldn’t wait.”

Cherry’s eyes bug out in shock. “That’s not what happened,” Cherry says. “ He dragged me out here and bullied a confession out of me.” She tries to pinch my side, but I hold her hand in mine.

“Let’s eat,” Cal says as he walks to us. “Why are you all congregated in the hallway?” His wife joins us too, and she smiles as she looks from me to Cherry.

“I caught them sneaking off for a quickie,” Kirby says.

“Well, if you’re gonna do that, you have to marry her,” her dad says.

“Please, stop,” Cherry mutters.

“She dragged me out here to confess her love to me,” I repeat, and Cherry blushes again.