“thanks,” “no problems,” and several hours to unpack and get relatively settled. They found themselves face-to-face in the center of the living room. “All done?” Ashley asked on a breath, her hands hugging her hips. “Yeah, how ’bout you?” “Almost like home,” she said in jest. Elliot gave a half smile. “I was going to check out the fully stocked fridge. Hungry?” Her stomach rumbled in response. “Starved.” He led the way to the kitchen and they checked the refrigerator and cabinets. “I make a mean steak,” Elliot said, pulling a package of sirloin from the freezer. “Sounds like a plan.” They worked together in a comfortable silence, only interrupted by the click of cutlery, running water and Elliot’s humming. Every now and again Ashley picked up on a tune he was humming and smiled, humming along with him. The vibe between them and the space they shared seemed as if this was the way it always had been between them. Unconsciously Ashley squished the tomato that she’d held between her fingers when that singular revelation hit her.
