“You're just saying that,” Lily said.
“No, seriously,” he continued. “It's not bad at all. It's your best yet.”
Maggie took a little bite from her piece and they both looked at her, waiting for her reaction. There was a dramatic pause as soon as she swallowed.
“Well, what do you think?” Lily asked her.
Maggie looked down at the pizza and then back up to Lily. “I like Dominoes.”
Wyatt cringed. He knew Maggie hadn't meant to say something offensive, but it had definitely come out that way. Luckily, Lily didn't seem to mind the harsh criticism. She just started laughing.
“Good answer,” Lily said, through her chuckles. “Maybe we should order Domino’s.”
“No, no,” Wyatt said. “Maggie and I are happy to eat this. We're grateful you took the time to make it for us. Isn't that right, Maggie?”
Maggie forced a smile, then took another bite.
“See, we like it,” Wyatt continued.
Lily looked disappointed as she sat back down. “I really am an awful cook, aren't I?”
“No, you've done just fine,” he said. “It's not that big of a deal, Lily.”
She shook her head. “I appreciate you saying all of that, but I also made you a promise yesterday that I would make an incredible dinner before I went home. I have one more night to do just that. One more night to show you guys that I have what it takes to cook something that isn't over-seasoned, or burnt, or bland. I'm going to do it, too. Come hell or high water, you guys are going to enjoy a meal tomorrow that will blow your mind. It will make Gordon Ramsay's food look like it came from a McDonald's happy meal.”
Wyatt couldn't help but to smile at Lily's commitment and determination. He liked the fact that she wasn't ready to throw in the towel on making dinner. It showed a lot about her character and actually made him feel a little more attracted to her. She was a strong woman and he admired that.
“I'm all about whatever you want to do for dinner tomorrow,” Wyatt said. “Is there anything you need specifically? I can run to the store in the morning and grab some things.”
Lily shook her head. “No, I don't think so. The pantry and fridge are still packed from that last shopping trip. I just need to think about it for a while and figure out what I want to make.”
“I'm excited,” Wyatt said. “Seriously. I can't wait.”
“I guess I better make absolutely positive it's going to be good,” Lily said, laughing. “I've made it sound like such a huge deal. I really can't let you guys down now.”
“You won't let us down,” Wyatt said.
“Yeah, you won't let us down, Aunt Wiwee.” Maggie echoed Wyatt's sentiment.
“See, even Maggie thinks so,” Wyatt said.
“You guys are the best,” Lily said. “I don't know what I'd do without you.”
“We feel the same way,” Wyatt said. “I'm starting to worry about what it's going to be like around here once you go home.”
“I don't want Aunt Wiwee to leave,” Maggie said, pouting out her lower lip.
Lily reached across the counter and placed her hand over Maggie's. “Honey, I still have two more days here. Plus, I don't live very far away and I'll keep coming over to visit you, just like before. Nothing will change.”
Maggie's eyes became shrink wrapped in tears, but she did a good job of holding them back.
“Sweetie, you'll still get to see Aunt Lily after this weekend,” Wyatt said. “She's just bringing her stuff back to the bedroom at her house. You know that she only lives five minutes from here. Plus, I'm going to talk with her about coming to take care of you on the weekends.”
Maggie sighed and grabbed her slice of pizza, taking another bite. Wyatt looked over toward Lily. She had a concerned expression on her face.
“She'll be okay,” Wyatt said to Lily. “Maggie is the strongest girl I know.”
I hope she'll be okay anyway, he thought. I really can't handle seeing any more tears fall from her cheeks. It just breaks my heart.