Page 131 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

“You’re getting soup.”

“Come on.” She sighs like I’ve wronged her deeply, slumping slightly against the counter. “I wanted something fried.”

“You’ll live.”

“Barely.” She grumbles.

“Mommy…” Blue leans forward, resting her chin on the counter. “Can I have soup?”

“But you’re not sick, bunny.”

“I can still have it,” she argues.

“You can have it,” I concede, reaching for a bowl.

“No way.” Aisha gasps softly. “So she gets soup by choice and I get it by force?”

“Yes.” I clip playfully.

“That’s unfair.”

“That’s life.”

“That’s life.” Blue giggles.

“Oh, we’re on.” Aisha narrows her eyes at me.

I ladle the soup into a bowl, sliding it toward her first.

“Careful, it’s hot.”

She leans over it, blowing on it dramatically before taking a cautious sip.

“Okay, this is good,” she admits reluctantly.

“I know.”

“Is it…” Blue bobs her head from side to side, watching closely. “Is it yummy?”

Aisha nods, then leans closer to her.

“Very yummy,” she whispers, like it’s a secret.

“Me, Mommy.” Blue lights up. “I want!”

I laugh before I can stop it, the sound surprising me despite the madness in my head.

“Okay, baby.” I turn back to the pot, scooping another serving, the noise in the kitchen building now.

Aisha starts talking about something unnecessary, Blue interrupts with questions that don’t connect, and both of them pull me into it without asking.

And I let them.

I let myself blend back into this version of me until the doorbell rings, halting the moment.

Blue perks up immediately.

“I’ll get it!” she announces, already sliding off the stool.