Arlene
Dinner was winding down, and the lively conversation at the table had begun to slow as everyone finished eating. I leaned back in my chair, sipping some water, when Emily suddenly turned to me with an excited expression.
"Hey, Arlene, do you know how to make cream puffs?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. "Uh, yeah, I do," I said slowly.
Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Emily, what are you up to?"
She grinned. "Nothing! I just thought it would be fun if Arlene showed me how to make them. We have all the ingredients in the kitchen."
The moment she brought up the snack, I knew what she was doing. This wasn't about baking… this was about getting me alone, but I couldn't refuse her and it isn't really bad so ending some time with her. And while I appreciated her enthusiasm, a part of me couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.
Alright, let's do it."