An Invitation To Dinner

Melody was in the kitchen when her phone rang.

She had one sock on and the other missing, hair pulled into a loose bun that was already giving up, flour dusted lightly on the counter from earlier. She wasn’t baking yet, but she’d been going through her mental checklist, opening cabinets, checking dates, counting ingredients the way she always did when she ran her business. She wanted to make sure she had everything before she started baking.

The ringtone startled her. She wiped her hands on the side of her leggings and glanced at the screen. It was Logan.

A smile curved her lips before she could stop it.

She answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Logan said warmly. “I was starting to think you forgot about me.”

She laughed instantly, the sound light and unforced. “That’s funny coming from someone who disappears into meetings for hours.”

“Okay, fair,” he admitted. “But still. I haven’t heard from you in a while. I just wanted to check in. You know… you’re my girlfriend now.” That phrase was gradually becoming an inside joke.

The way he said it, half teasing, half sincere made her laugh again.

“Oh, is that what we are now?” she asked, leaning against the counter.

“I believe so,” he said confidently. “Unless you’re breaking up with me over the phone.”

“Hardly,” she said, smiling. “I’ve just been… taking things one day at a time, and I doubt that's even possible especially since I've already been paid.”

“Unfortunately you're right,” Logan said gently. “I hope you’re doing okay.”

She paused, then nodded even though he couldn’t see her. “I am. I really am.”

There was a brief silence before he continued, his tone shifting slightly more purposeful.

“So,” he said, “I just got off the phone with my mom.”

Melody straightened a little. “Oh?”

“Yeah. She’s already planning everything,” he said with a laugh. “Anyway, I wanted to give you a heads up. We’ll be flying to my family’s place on the twenty-third.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Okay...”

“About a week. A week and a few days,” he confirmed. “I didn’t want to spring it on you last minute.”

She took a breath. “Noted.”

“And before you say anything,” Logan continued, “I’ve got everything covered. Clothes, shoes, coats whatever you need. I’ll send my assistant over to help you pick the things you'll be needing. My mum loves a certain kind of look and she calls the shots so it'll be nice to be in her good book.”

She frowned instinctively. “Logan…”

“No arguments,” he cut in lightly. “I know I sound strange right now, but if we're going to make this work, we need to make my mum believe this is real and that includes you making an effort to please her.”

She exhaled slowly, a mix of gratitude and mild overwhelm settling in her chest. That is her job, and according to the contract, she was supposed to do as she was told. “Alright then, that wouldn't be a problem.”

“Good,” he said. 

She smiled.

They talked for a bit, nothing heavy. Just small talks. How his day had gone. How hers had been quieter. How Tara was working late again. It felt easy. Natural.

Then Logan cleared his throat.

“There’s something else,” he said.

“Uh-oh,” Melody teased.

“I’d love to invite you over,” he said. “For dinner tomorrow night.”

She blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I know it sounds sudden, but… Miss Penelope really liked you.”

Melody laughed softly. “She’s very sweet.”

“She is,” Logan agreed. “She actually asked me to invite you. She said it’s been a while since she last had company. She loves to play host.”

Melody’s smile grew at the memory. “I forgot to tell you, last time I was there, I couldn’t stay for breakfast. Tara was worried sick, and I had to get home.”

“I remember.”

“She packed me banana pancakes to go,” Melody said, her voice brightening. “Logan, I have never tasted anything that good in my life.”

Logan laughed. “That’s just the beginning. Miss Penelope has the best recipes in the world.”

“I believe you,” Melody said, genuinely.

“So,” he said, “is that a yes?”

She hesitated just a second not out of doubt, but awareness. This was new territory. New people, of course she was open to explore.

“It is a yes, just they it feels weird to be having dinner over at your place.”

“I hope that’s not a bad thing.”

She smiled. “No. Not at all.”

“Good,” he said. “I’ll also be inviting a friend over. Just dinner. I’d like you guys to meet.”

Her brows lifted slightly. “A friend?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I want to introduce you to my people.”

“I’d really love that,” she said. And she meant it.

“Great,” Logan said. “Then it’s settled.”

“Should I bring anything?” Melody asked automatically.

“No,” he said immediately. “You’re good. Just come with your beautiful self.”

She laughed, warmth spreading through her chest. “Alright then.”

They said their goodbyes, and she hung up still smiling.

A second later, she texted Tara.

Melody:

Logan invited me over for dinner tomorrow.

Tara: 

That's cool.

Melody set her phone down and leaned back against the counter, staring at the ceiling.

She exhaled slowly. She hadn’t been raised to show up empty handed, especially not to someone’s home. Almost immediately, her mind went into planning mode.

She'd make her signature Christmas sugar cookies. Soft, sweet, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. And maybe a pumpkin pie.

She pulled out her notebook and started checking off ingredients. She’d need to prep some things tonight so she wouldn’t rush tomorrow. Satisfied, she closed the notebook and finally relaxed.

……..

Across town, Logan ended the call and leaned back in his chair. His friend was already seated across from him, arms crossed, eyebrows raised.

“So,” Daniel drawled, “it’s a date.”

Logan grinned. “Yeah. Tomorrow night.”

Daniel snorted. “I really don’t care about the woman you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to pretend to be your girlfriend.”

Logan laughed. “I figured.”

“The only reason I’m saying yes,” his friend continued, “is because I’ve missed Miss Penny's cooking. I would sell my soul for her food.”

Logan shook his head, amused. “That tracks.”

They both laughed, the sound filling the office.