18 Breakfast

Feeling like a kid in a candy store, I start to run around the kitchen looking for things. Suddenly I remember this isn't my kitchen. I don't know where anything is! Realizing I'm going to need help. I turn to Will with a smile.

"Will, you beautiful creature you. Can you help me?"

"Astra."

"Yes?"

"Don't. Ever. Call me that again."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, how can I help you?"

"I don't know where anything is. If I ask you for the things, can you grab them for me?"

"Sure. What do you need first?"

I decide to keep it basic with eggs, bacon, and pancakes topped with bananas fosters flambé.

"I need a griddle or two if you have them, a bacon press, saucepan…

As I list off the kitchenware I need he finds it quickly. I start off by making the batter for the pancakes and set it aside to rest so I can start on the bananas fosters and the bacon.

"Will, can you get me a bottle of spiced rum and a lighter?"

Sitting at the counter with nothing to do, Dillon perks up when he hears those words.

"Yes! I'm totally down for breakfast shots!"

Chuckling to myself I decide to break the news to him.

"No, sweetie. No breakfast shots for any of us. This is for the bananas fosters. Tell you what, if we ever go out for brunch we can drink mimosas and bloody mary's .

"You promise?"

"Of course! Who doesn't love brunch? If you wait a little bit I have something I think you'll like to see."

While I discuss where we should get brunch I put the brown sugar, lemon, and butter in the saucepan and start making some of the pancakes. After I have them on the griddle I go to the other one and flip the bacon and add the bananas to the mixture in the pan. The aromas in the kitchen are like a symphony of smells and I'm dancing around the kitchen. While I do so I start singing to myself.

"Born the middle son of a farmer and a small town southern man.

Like his daddy's daddy before him, brought up workin' on the land.

Fell in love with a small town woman and they married up and settled down.

Natural way of life if you're lucky for a small town southern man."

Continuing to sing myself, I grab a glass and fill it with a little bit of spiced rum and grab the lighter.

"Come quick I want to show y'all something fun! Stand back though, I need space."

After pouring the rum in the pan I light it on fire and start the flambé process. Dillon and Will both clap and I give them a bow and get back to work. After the flame dies out, I shut off the stove and pull the pancakes and bacon off the griddles. I quickly swiftly whip up some scrambled eggs and serve us each a plate.

"Gentlemen, breakfast is served."

"Geez, Astra! When you said you were going to cook I wasn't expecting a gourmet meal."

"It's not gourmet, Dillon. Just something I learned from my dad."

Taking a bite of the pancakes he moans in delight.

"Quit your job and become my personal chef, Astra. I'll double whatever Will is paying you."

"Why would she do that when she just signed a contract with me?"

"Because I'm doubling her offer of course!"

"Yes, but with me she has benefits and doesn't have to cook for me everyday. However, I am willing to pay extra for you to do it."

"I thought you had someone who cooks meals for you, Will?"

"She's out of town right now."

"Oh then since you can't cook of course I will take over until you can find someone new."

"Thank you! It's nice to have finally found such a wonderful assistant."

"Hey now, don't flaunt! I'm sure I can find an assistant just as good as Astra if I wanted to."

"What's stopping you then?"

While the two of them bicker, I sip my coffee and continue to savor my food. Once I'm done I see there's some leftover bacon.

"Is it ok if I give the dogs a couple pieces of bacon?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Donner, Blitzen Auntie Astra has something for you!"

You can hear the dogs running at the speed of light. They're names most certainly fit them. I tell them to sit while I hold the bacon behind my back. They have a strong sense of smell so they sit there with tails wagging. After they stay for a bit I give them each a piece of bacon. I adore these dogs so much.

"Do your dogs have a dogfather or a dogmother by chance?"

"A what?"

"You know? Like a godmother or a godfather except for dogs."

"No, they've never liked anyone for me to do that."

"Well, in that case, can I be their dogmother?"

"Why?"

"Because then I can take them for walks whenever I want, and give them lots of love and treats. I adore them so much and I think they like me too. Pretty please with a cherry on top?"

"Tell you what, cook me breakfast for a week and you've got a deal,"

"Yes! Thank you so much you won't regret this!"

"We'll see."

"Look at the time! If we're going to go to my house and have you get back here at a reasonable time we need to leave now. Dillon, is it ok if I leave the dress at your house for now and pick it up later?"

"Sure, I can always bring it to you after work one day or when we go to brunch."

"You're the best!"

As we walk out the door, I give Dillon a hug.

"Text me to let me know you get home safe ok?"

"Will do. Enjoy your drive! And, Will?"

"Yes, Dillon?"

"Aren't you moving a little fast? You're supposed to meet the parents after you take her on a date."

"Shut up or I'll lock you in here."

"That's my cue. Later guys!"

Will calls for the dogs and they both jump into his truck.

He opens the passenger door for me to get in.

"After you."