Sweet Strawberry Sunsets

Twenty minutes later, Amelia was unloading a car full of supplies into Ian’s kitchen. “When I offered to help you, I didn’t realize my house was becoming a restaurant,” Ian chided with Amelia as they unloaded everything and began to prepare the meal. Amelia decided to get to working on the muffins first.

“Ian, thank you for helping me. Hopefully, I did not ruin your day’s plans by seeking your assistance.”

He laughed, “Not in the slightest. Today was going to be a relaxing day, and baking will be just as relaxing, right?”

Amelia surveyed him up and down with her eyes. “That depends, Ian. Have your baking skills improved since high school?”

This time he cut his eyes towards her and gave a slight chuckle. “I guess you will just have to wait and see.”

The pair worked in sync as they made their way through Amelia’s list. Amelia watched how well Ian worked in the kitchen and was surprised as she remembered the fiasco of a science project in high school. “Ian, are you sure you know how to bake?” Sixteen-year-old Ian’s chest puffed out, “Of course I do.” The two worked on the batter, adding in candies for different veins, arteries, and more. “Remember, I want to get a good grade on this project.” He scoffed, “Amy, please, I’ve got this — I am a pro.” The first trial looked more like a burn victim than any creation resembling skin, and the second wasn’t much better. Amelia snatched the project away from him and handled the oven herself. He sighed and sat down to watch her. “I guess I can do the frosting.” She laughed and said, “Are you a pro at that too?”

Catching herself replaying memories of years gone by, Amelia began laughing at the memory. She couldn’t help but notice that her laughter was warm and foreign. I haven’t laughed like this in years. She caught Ian staring, and then his grin began to match hers as he asked, “Would you like to share what’s so funny?” Amelia reminded him of their project from high school, and their work rapidly devolved into laughter. The two began swapping stories of their past before Amelia attempting to get them back on task. “Yes, Ms. Allen,” Ian cheekily remarked as he went back to his biscuit dough.

As she watched him knead the dough and use the biscuit cutter, she was overwhelmed in thinking of all the lessons she’d given him on cooking and baking. In those moments, they’d not only had fun but grew closer together. Due to her hard work, he was now making his way around a kitchen with ease. Amelia glanced over and caught him staring at her once more. To her, it appeared as if he was admiring her. Once he realized she had seen him staring, he smirked, “You’ve got something in your hair.”

She began checking the locks, finding nothing. “Here, let me help you out.” She thanked him for the offer until his hand brought flour to her face and hair. The two had a friendly spar involving batter, flour, and utensils. Twenty minutes later, they were still behind on food preparations, and the kitchen was a mess. It reminded them both of so many fond times, but Amelia reminded him that they had to get everything done. He grinned at her, making her heart leap, and the two went back to work.

“When we saw each other on the steps of the post office, why did you pretend to be in a relationship with your cat?” Ian chuckled as he asked her the question. Amelia blushed brighter than the strawberry pieces she was adding to the pancake batter. As he took in her bright red face and slightly abashed look, his chuckle turned into a full laugh.