People Like That Don’t Bluff

I came back upstairs a few minutes later, balancing the steaming bowl carefully in one hand and a spoon tucked between my fingers.

The scent of ginger, garlic, and chicken filled the room. Dominic had dozed off again, curled up against the pillows with his mouth slightly open.

"Hey." I nudged his leg with my elbow. "Soup's ready."

Dominic's eyes lit up the moment he smelled it. He sat up straighter, his hoodie slipping slightly off one shoulder as he reached for the bowl. "Oh my God. That smells like actual heaven."

I set the bowl on his lap, nudging a pillow behind him so he could sit up straighter. "Careful. It's hot."

Dominic picked up the spoon, slowly took a sip, and blinked. Then blinked again.

"Holy crap," he muttered. "This is… this is amazing."

"Ginger chicken noodle soup. My mom's recipe. It's good for fever."