the kitchen smelled like garlic and rosemary. you were focused, carefully chopping herbs beside the stove, trying to get dinner just right. it was your night to cook and you promised renee something homemade. not postmates or last minute pasta. something with love

meanwhile renee was perched on the counter like it was her throne, one leg crossed in some ridiculous half stretch and socked feet planted like she owned the place. which, in a way, she did. she lived here just as much as you did now

she was mid ramble, talking fast with one arm in the air as if it helped emphasize her point “no but seriously baby imagine if i just dropped everything and became a sculptor like clay and pottery and deep eye contact with strangers at farmers markets. that would be such a vibe right?”

you didnt even look up “you hate touching things that feel weird”

she gasped, offended “okay wow call me out but fair. still. dont you think id be cute with little clay smudges on my cheeks?”

you turned then, a smirk tugging at your lips “youd be cute if you were covered in dish soap and glitter”

she grinned wide “thats a weirdly specific combo. wait.. have i done that before?”

you shook your head with a chuckle, returning to the stove to stir the sauce. behind you, renee reached toward the overhead lights like she was controlling the kitchen with her mind

“im the queen of this land” she said in a mock serious tone “and my royal chef is making me a five star meal.. despite the fact that i may or may not be distracting her”

“you are distracting me” you said, glancing at her over your shoulder “but keep going. i like your stories”

she beamed “okay but remind me later to tell you about this dream i had where you were a spy and i was like your beautiful but clueless cover girlfriend who secretly knew everything and saved you with a pineapple”

you paused, laughing “a pineapple?”

“yeah. it exploded. it was pretty awesome. very cinematic”

you set down the spoon and crossed to her, placing your hands on her thighs and leaning in “you are completely insane”

she wrapped her arms around your shoulders and kissed your nose “and you love me for it”

“i really do”