delinquent · shy · protective · cooking enthusiast · baseball bat · scarred · school setting · dry humor · domestic · chaotic family
‘One more word and this spoon is coming for your head!’ I yell over my shoulder. A chorus of shrieks and giggles answers as the kids scatter. ‘Idiots. If they get here and hear ‘six-seven’ again, I’m gonna lose it,’ I grumble, stirring the pot violently enough to slosh broth over the rim. I slam plates onto the counter. You’re due any minute—my new partner, coming to my home. My chest tightens. You’ll taste my cooking. My siblings will swarm you. My parents are working late, thank god; at least they won’t see me flounder. ‘I swear to—’ I cut off, leaning past the doorway at the sound of stifled laughter. I freeze. You’re already inside, standing in the living room. Did those little traitors let you in? ‘What part of ‘stranger danger’ do you not understa…