Lunch

The car ride back from Jane’s house was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional hum of the engine. Grayson drove with steady focus, while I sat beside him, my mind replaying the events of the day.

As we approached Jane’s house, I turned to her with a concerned look. “Jane, are you sure you don’t want to come back with us? Grayson’s place is a lot more comfortable, and you can use the extra company. It’s been a long day.”

Jane shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “I appreciate the offer, Eli, but I’m more comfortable here. I need some space to unwind on my own.”

I sighed, knowing she was stubborn but understanding her need for independence. “Alright, just make sure you lock the doors and windows before you settle in. We’re only a phone call away if you need anything.”

Grayson nodded in agreement. “And if you need us, don’t hesitate to reach out. Safety first.”

Jane smiled, touched by our concern. “Thanks, both of you. I’ll be fine. I’ve got this.”

I leaned over and wrapped her in a warm hug. “Congratulations again, Jane. You did amazing today. I’m so proud of you.”

Grayson gave a nod and added, “You really did. We’re both very proud.”

Jane’s eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

Before Jane could step out of the car, Grayson reached into the backseat and handed her a small, elegantly wrapped box. “We wanted to give you something,” he said, his voice gentle.

Jane’s eyes widened in surprise as she unwrapped the box to reveal a delicate necklace with an emerald stone set in a simple, elegant design. Her face lit up with a genuine smile. “Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful!”

Grayson’s face softened with a smile. “I thought it might be a nice touch to remember today by. We’re really proud of you, Jane.”

Jane looked at the necklace, clearly moved. “Thank you so much. It’s perfect. I’ll cherish it always.”

We watched as Jane carefully put on the necklace, its emerald gleaming softly in the evening light. Her joy was evident, and it warmed my heart to see her so happy.

With a final hug and a promise to check in on her, Jane waved goodbye and headed up to her front door. As she disappeared inside, I settled back into the car, feeling a mix of relief and contentment.

“Today was really something,” I said, glancing at Grayson.

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, it was. I’m glad we could be there for her.”

As we drove away, the weight of the day’s events seemed to lift. It was a new beginning for Jane, and I felt hopeful for what the future held for all of us.

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window as I bustled around, preparing lunch for Grayson. He had left early for work, buried under a mountain of tasks related to a big project, and I wanted to surprise him with something special.

Today, I decided to make a Spanish-inspired meal: **paella**. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for a satisfying lunch. I began by chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic, the aroma of fresh vegetables filling the kitchen. I heated some olive oil in a large skillet, adding the onions and bell peppers to sauté until they were tender and fragrant.

Next, I stirred in the garlic, letting it cook briefly before adding the rice. I poured in a rich broth of chicken and seafood, along with a generous pinch of saffron, which would give the dish its signature golden hue and aromatic flavor. As the rice simmered, I added a mix of seafood—shrimp, mussels, and clams—along with some sliced chorizo for a smoky kick.

The kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of the paella as it cooked, the colors of the saffron and vegetables creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. I gently stirred the mixture, ensuring the rice absorbed all the delicious flavors.

While the paella finished cooking, I prepared a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and olives, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. I placed the salad in a container, then set about packing up the paella, which was now ready and perfectly cooked. The seafood had turned a beautiful shade of pink, and the rice was tender and flavorful.

With everything packed and ready, I carefully loaded the containers into a thermal bag to keep the food warm. I checked my watch and realized it was just the right time to head over to Grayson’s office.

As I arrived at Grayson’s building, I made my way to the reception area. The receptionist, a young woman with a friendly demeanor, looked up as I approached.

“Hi, I’m here to drop off lunch for Grayson Spencer,” I said, handing over the thermal bag.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her eyes. She hesitated before speaking. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ve met before. May I ask who you are?”

I smiled, understanding her caution. “I’m Elina Spencer, Grayson’s wife.”

The receptionist’s expression shifted to one of disbelief. “You’re his wife? We’ve had quite a few women come through here claiming to be Grayson’s wife. It’s hard to keep track.”

She picked up the phone and made a call to Grayson’s secretary. “Hi, Macey, this is Kate at reception. I have someone here claiming to be Mrs. Spencer. Can you confirm?”

There was a brief pause as Macey confirmed my identity. Kate’s eyes widened slightly as she put down the phone. “I’m so sorry about that. We get a lot of people claiming to be connected to Mr. Spencer.”

I nodded, maintaining a polite smile. “I understand. Just a reminder to be a bit more careful and respectful next time.”

Kate gave a sincere apology. “Of course, and thank you for your patience. Let me direct you to Mr. Spencer’s office.”

She picked up the phone again to call Grayson’s office and directed me to the elevator. “Please take the elevator to the 12th floor. His office is at the end of the hallway on the left.”

I thanked her and made my way to the elevator, feeling a mix of anticipation and relief as I prepared to surprise Grayson with his favorite meal.

As I approached, I could hear the faint hum of activity and the occasional murmur of voices. I knocked gently before entering.

Grayson looked up from his desk, his expression lighting up when he saw me. “Eli! This is a surprise, is that food?”

I smiled, setting the bag down on his desk. “Yup, I thought you could use a break and a good meal. How’s the project going?”

He reached over and gave me a grateful kiss on the cheek. “It’s going well, but it’s been non-stop. This is a welcome surprise.”

I opened the containers and arranged the paella and salad on his desk. “I hope you like it. It’s a little taste of Spain to brighten your day.”

Gray’s eyes softened as he took in the sight and smell of the meal. “It looks amazing. Thank you, Eli. You’re always thinking of me.”

I watched as he served himself a portion of the paella, the first bite clearly bringing him relief and satisfaction. “I’m glad you like it. I just wanted to make sure you had a good lunch and a bit of a break.”

He took another bite, savoring the flavors. “This is fantastic. You really outdid yourself.”

We chatted about his day and the project as he ate, the simple act of sharing a meal bringing us closer together. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that I could support him in even the smallest ways.

As he finished his lunch, Gray looked at me with a warm smile. “Thanks again for this. It means a lot.”

“You’re welcome,” I said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Just remember to take care of yourself, okay?”

He nodded, his eyes reflecting his appreciation. “I will. And I’m looking forward to spending more time with you later.”

“Don’t overwork, you’re already rich enough to retire at the age of thirty-five,” He burst into a heartily laughed before I was able to close the door. I chuckled.

After leaving Gray’s office, I found myself at a crossroads. I didn’t want to head straight home, feeling an unexpected pang of nostalgia and missing my best friend, Keith. He had been away for a business venture of his own three months ago, and I hadn’t seen him since.

I decided to stop by my favorite coffee shop, a cozy little place that always had a way of making me feel at home. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I walked in, and I breathed in deeply, savoring the comforting scent.

I ordered my usual—an almond cappuccino and a slice of lemon cake—and took a seat by the window, watching the world go by. As I sipped my coffee and let the warmth of the drink soothe me, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number.

Hesitant but curious, I answered the call. “Hello? Who’s this?”

A pause on the other end, and then a voice that made my heart skip a beat, dripping with mischievous familiarity. “Guess who’s back, bitch?”

“Say less, bitch,”