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“That’s good, because Auntie Sage needs lots of help. She kept her shoes in the oven and forgot they were there and then the fire alarm went off and the fire department came. People had to leave the building, and we spent two nights in a hotel because the smell was so bad.”

Sage’s face flamed as red as a beefsteak tomato. Mortified, she pressed her hands to her cheeks to hide what was happening. “Ricky, please…” Her protest died on her lips. It was too late to cut off her nephew. Ethan had taken in every word and struggled to hide his amusement.

“Ricky, you promised not to tell on me, remember?”

“You didn’t say I couldn’t tell Ethan,” Ricky said, with a look of pure innocence. “I only promised to keep it a secret from Mom and Grandma.”

He was right, which meant Erica had probably heard all about it from Lisa. Both women had shown restraint by not mentioning it.

“I enjoy cooking,” Ethan said, hiding his smile behind his hot drink. “Why don’t I stop by your condo tomorrow night and cook you both dinner?”

“That would be great,” Ricky said, not bothering to hide his enthusiasm. “Most of Auntie Sage’s dinners come from Uber Eats.”

If possible, Sage’s face went even redder. She was grateful Ethan let the comment slide.

“What’s your favorite meal?” he asked Ricky, before she could protest.

Without a second’s hesitation, her nephew declared, “I like spaghetti and meatballs best!”

“Well, that just so happens to be one of my specialties.”

“It is?” Ricky’s eyes brightened as he glanced hopefully toward Sage, as if he expected she would squash the idea.

Sage raised her index finger, hoping to get in a word.

“What’s your favorite dinner?” Ethan asked Sage, ignoring her silent plea.

“Please say it’s spaghetti and meatballs,” Ricky cried, jumping up and down like he was on a pogo stick.

Sage could tell she was fighting a losing battle. “As it happens, it’s spaghetti and meatballs, too.”

“Yay!” Ricky stopped jumping and clapped his hands.

“I’ll help,” Sage offered, seeing that any protest was a lost cause.

“Auntie Sage can make the salad,” Ricky insisted, then, turning to Ethan, he added, “She does okay with salads. No one would call the fire department over lettuce.”

“At least not yet,” she mumbled. “I’ll be happy to contribute. I find that I’m incredibly talented when it comes to opening little packets and mixing them with the other ingredients.”

“A salad will be the perfect complement to our meal,” Ethan said, smiling her way.

“I’d offer to heat up a loaf of garlic bread, but unfortunately my oven is out of commission until I can replace the racks.” They had gotten tossed out along with her precious shoes.

“No problem. We have everything we need.”

Ricky’s face glowed with happiness. “Oh goodie, we’re going to eat a real dinner.”

When they finished their drinks, they headed back to where Ethan had parked his Toyota. Ricky walked ahead and Sage took hold of Ethan’s coat sleeve to get his attention.

“Don’t overdo this boyfriend business,” she muttered.

“Sure. Whatever you want. Would you rather I make an excuse and not come with dinner?”

After seeing how pleased Ricky was at the thought of enjoying his favorite dinner, she couldn’t refuse. “No.”

“No come or no don’t come?” he asked, for clarification.

“No come.”