Chapter 94: Full Preparation

Sean knew, no matter how strong he was, he couldn't hold the nearly full pot of water with one hand. The pot tilted, spilling water, clams, and greens onto the stovetop. The fire went out. Grease and water soiled Sean's shirt, pants, and leather shoes. Clams and greens tumbled from the counter, clanging on the floor.

Abigail, holding a basin, recoiled slightly, staring at Sean with a mixture of innocence and fear. Sean wanted to dunk the pot over her head. He glared. "Are you getting back at me?"

Abigail shook her head frantically. "I didn't mean it, I swear."

"You'd better not mean it, Abigail," Sean said angrily, the veins in his neck throbbing.

Julie, holding Analise, entered the kitchen. "What's wrong?"

Abigail quickly said, "Just a little accident. It's nothing. I'll clean it up."

Sean put down the pot. "I'll order delivery." He'd lost his appetite for cooking. He'd only wanted to make something nice for Analise.

Noticing his bad mood, Analise gave Abigail a reproachful look. She quickly asked Julie to hold her up and followed Sean. "Are you hurt, Sean? I'm sorry, Abigail's a klutz. She must have troubled you," Analise said carefully, her voice laced with concern despite her age. She was frightened by his gloomy expression.

Sean pulled out a tissue and wiped his shirt. He looked at Analise and softened. "I'm alright. We'll just get delivery for lunch, then, Analise."

"Sure. Julie will do it. She's familiar with this," Analise said, smiling to lighten the mood.

Sean nodded. The greasy shirt and pants made him feel faint.

Julie quickly huddled closer to Analise, and they ordered delivery.

Sean wiped the wet patches on his clothes and sniffed the air, detecting the smell of gas. He tossed the tissue and rushed to the kitchen. Abigail was sweeping up the clams and greens. He quickly turned off the gas.

"I'm sorry. I panicked when the fire got so high," Abigail said. She felt she'd overreacted, but her initial worry about Sean getting scalded had prompted her to use the basin to extinguish the flames.

Sean took the broom from her and silently cleaned up. Abigail quickly wiped the countertop. "We have your clothes in the closet. Why don't you take a shower?"

"The more you talk, the more I want to smack you," Sean said coldly.

Abigail fell silent. They finished cleaning, and Sean went to the bathroom. Analise and Julie finished placing their order. Analise looked at Abigail, slightly resigned. "He's so nice to you. And you can cook, too. What was with the kitchen disaster?"

Abigail said quietly, "Please don't talk about it anymore, Grandma." She clutched her hair, looking dejected. After some more conversation, Abigail heard Sean call for her. "I'll be back in a bit."

Analise waved her off. Abigail went to the bathroom and knocked. "What's wrong?"

"Get me some clothes and a towel," Sean said flatly.

Abigail thought he'd deliberately left them outside. She grunted and searched the closet. She returned with the clothes and towel, only to be startled by Sean standing behind her.

"I didn't hear you! I almost had a heart attack!" she exclaimed, tossing the clothes and towel at him.

Sean's hair was wet, and water trickled down his body. He tossed the clothes back. "I'm still wet. The clothes are wet, too. Get me a new set."

Since it was her fault, Abigail found another set. Sean dried himself, wrapped himself in the towel, and watched her search. She eventually found a matching suit.

She brought him the clothes, then held up a dark blue tie. "Do you like this color? I think it fits this set."

Sean looked at the smoke-grey suit and nodded. "It's alright."

Abigail placed it on the bed and said softly, "Get changed. I'll be going now."